Dancing into Spring: The Story Behind Morris and May Day

If you’ve been to Moseley Folk & Arts Festival before, or any folk festival for that matter, it’s highly likely you will have come across Morris dancers. Morris dancing is a classic folk tradition, but why do they dance on May Day? And how is this tradition being upheld in 2026? Let’s take a look.

The earliest clear references to Morris dancing in England date back to the 15th century. The name itself is often thought to derive from “Moorish” or “morisco,” suggesting a distant link to continental Europe, possibly Spain, where “Moorish dances” were performed. By the late medieval period, versions of the dance had made their way into English court life before gradually becoming rooted in rural communities. Over time, it evolved into something more local, with different regions developing their own styles, costumes, and traditions.

In the 17th Century, Oliver Cromwell and his Puritanical Government attempted to suppress Morris dancing (amongst many other festivities), but was revived when Charles II restored the Monarchy. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Morris dancing was closely tied to village festivities and seasonal celebrations. Like many folk customs, it declined during the Industrial Revolution as rural life changed, but it never fully disappeared. A revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by folklorists and enthusiasts, helped preserve and formalise many of the traditions we see today.

But why May Day specifically? Well, May Day has long been associated with the arrival of spring, fertility, and renewal. In pre-industrial England, it marked a turning point in the year: the end of the harsh winter months and the beginning of a more hopeful, productive season. Morris dancing became one of the ways communities celebrated this shift. The dances, often performed outdoors at dawn, were thought to “wake up” the land and encourage growth and good fortune.

So, how is this ancient folk tradition being preserved? In recent history, folk culture in general has had a resurgence, with communities striving to change the perception of “folk”. It’s unsurprising if you had assumed Morris dancing was a hobby of middle-aged white men; The Morris Ring, one of England’s main Morris dance support bodies, was exclusively male until 2018!

But that is not the case anymore. Groups like Boss Morris, who describe themselves as “a group of female creatives, supported by professional musicians, who share an artistic and progressive vision of morris dancing as a means to increase social engagement and interest in this unique and ancient folk dance”, are ensuring folk traditions thrive for all genders and ages. Boss Morris is dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage of Morris dancing and making it accessible to all – no more apparent than in their performance with Wet Leg at the 2023 Brit Awards. That’s one way to bring Morris dancing back into popular culture!

So when you see Morris dancing this May Day, you’ll know you’re witnessing true English heritage and folk tradition being passed on for generations to come. Happy May Day!