England's Culture : Morris Dancing Video: Morris dancers, Rye,
East Sussex - May Day 2010. Records of Morris Dancing date back
to 1477. Though usually considered a uniquely English activity
it is mentioned in Renaissance documents in France, Italy, and
Spain. The origins of the term are uncertain, but one of the
most widely accepted theories is that the term was "moorish
dance" and "Moresco", which was gradually corrupted to "Morris
Dance". Another is that it derives from the Romanian "morisca",
which means "little mill". Morris Dancing, Deal, Kent History in
England Before the English Civil War, the working peasantry
often took part in Morris dances, especially at Whitsun. The
Puritan government of Oliver Cromwell, however, suppressed
Whitsun Ales and other such festivities. When the crown was
restored by Charles II, the springtime festivals were restored.
In particular, Whitsun Ales came to be celebrated on Whitsunday,
as the date coincided with the birthday of Charles II. Morris
dancing continued in popula