The Scottish dance with swords (English — The Sword Dance, on гэльск. — Ghillie Callum), is executed on two crossed swords and it is one of four oldest traditional Scottish dances. Dances with swords were executed by soldiers in different parts of Europe during the prehistoric period. But their some kinds also are characteristic and for the late Middle Ages. Ritual and fighting dances which glorified epic feats and military art were as a characteristic feature of the Scottish culture and folklore.
Scottish sword dances are ritualistic and combative dances that imitate epic deeds and martial skills and are a familiar feature in Scottish tradition and folklore. Notwithstanding Welsh and English Morris dance, related dances are known in Austria, Germany, Flanders, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Romania. Moreover, some ezpatadantza (Basque sword dances) seem strikingly similar to their Scottish cousins which makes some scholars suspect a common low-medieval or Renaissance ancestry.
Scottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore.Today there is a Sword Dance, the executable on the crossed swords.
WOW!!Fantastic, especially the end of the dance!!There are some interesting facts about the history of this dance, I'd like to share this information with you!!!There is no Highland Dance older or better known than the Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum. The Sword Dance is the ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael and is said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore (Shakespear’s MacBeth). Tradition says the original Ghillie Callum was a Celtic prince who was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth's Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054. He is said to have crossed his own bloody claymore (the two-handed broadsword of Scotland) and crossed it over the bloodier sword of the defeated Chief and danced over them both in exultation. This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors, and in subsequent battles, clansman would cross their swords and dance around them in the same way. In addition to being a test of skill and agility, it was believed that if they could complete the dance without touching the swords, it was a good omen that they would be victorious in the coming battle. However to touch or displace the swords was a bad omen and was indicative of losses or even defeat.
oh, I really admired this video! The Sword dance is extremely fabulous and stunning! In my opinion, the dance reflects character and mood of the Scottish by means of special music and folk elements. Moreover, it creates wonderful atmosphere and gives you an opportunity to feel this breath of ancientry and old Scottish traditions.
Wow! I am amazed by how people cooperated and danced. They don't consider such event to be bizzare or inappropriate, instead, they respect and like what they do. I really admire them! I agree with Nastya about the atmosphere. The dance gives the feeling of the nation's unity. It seems as if you are dancing with those men. Wonderful tradition, great performance...
I admire these men, they believe in what they are doing and want to encourage Scotland to keep its traditions alive and well! Originally the Sword Dance was danced on the evening before a battle. The soldier dancing should not touch the swords, or ill fortune would follow him into battle. The first person to use swords in this way has probably been lost in time, but one tale attributes it to Malcolm Canmore, who won the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054, against one of MacBeth's chiefs. He is said to have used his enemy's sword and his own to form a cross on the floor, and to have danced a victory jig to the skirl of his pipers. The sword dance is a natural for Highland Games, and can invariably been seen at these gatherings.
SWORD DANCE.Folk dance by men, with swords or two-handled blades, expressing themes such as human and animal sacrifice for fertility, battle mime, and defense against evil spirits.
It originated in Greek and Roman times. A sword dance appeared in Germany in 1350 and later was part of the court ballet when mock battles were staged. The Scottish sword dance is a descendant of the early crossed-sword dances, and the Morris dance retains remnants of the sword dance. Outside of Europe, such dances are found in India, Borneo, and the Balkans.
One story is that this was a dance of victory, as the King danced over his bloody claymore, the two handed broadsword of Scotland, and the even bloodier head of his enemy. Some say that no severed head was used and that the King danced over his own sword crossed over the sword of his enemy. Another story is that the Sword Dance was danced prior to a battle. To kick the swords was considered a bad omen for the impending battle, and the soldier would expect to be wounded. If many of the soldiers kicked their swords the chieftain of the clan would expect to lose the battle. Scottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore. This is the legend of militant, freedom-loving Scots, a name in the dance most accurately express the power of their own experiences. The most striking example - the story, "making a dance with swords (Sword Dance), tells how King Malcolm (one of the main enemies of the famous Shakespeare's Macbeth, XI Century), folded on the ground two blood-soaked sword: one own, and another - killed the enemy - they danced in honor of its own victory. Another version of the legend says that the dance did not Malcolm took two swords, a sword and severed head of the enemy. The earliest reference to these dances are mentioned in the Scottish Chronicles (from the English. «Scotichronicon»), which were drawn up by Walter Bower (Walter Bower) at 1440h, respectively.
I'm really delighted with this national dance!It shows how solid the British are as a nation. I'd like to add some interesting facts about this.The dance commences by the five dancers forming a circle each holding one sword in his right hand, often clashing their swords together before grasping in their left hands the free end of the sword held by the dancer in front. The only time this chain is broken is to present a star of five interlocked swords. The dancers step or “jig” in a characteristic way throughout the dance. There may also be one or two “characters” (sometimes known as “fools”) known as “Tommy” and “Betty” (historically as “The Captain” and “Bessy”).The feature of Rapper dancing which cannot be disputed is the unique “swords” and no matter how the dance may vary in any other respect, without swords it is simply not Sword dancing. The Kingsmen perform two traditional rapper dances. One is Kingsmen Sword dance and the other is an older tradition called Byker Buildings, which was “rediscovered” by the Kingsmen in 1994.
This dance is danced over two crossed swords. The origin dates back to 1058, after a battle near Dunsinane, when Malcolm III, Canmore, King of the Scots, after slewing his opponent and, overjoyed at his victory, placed his bloody claymore, (a two-handed sword), and that of his enemy on the ground in the form of a cross and danced in triumph over them. According to legend, the warriors that were able to dance the Sword Dance without touching the sword with his feet would be successful in the approaching battle.
For almost a thousand years, it has been a demonstration of courage and dexterity, the successful completion of which heralded victory in battle.
There is no Highland Dance older or better known than the Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum. The Sword Dance is the ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael and is said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore (Shakespear’s MacBeth). Tradition says the original Ghillie Callum was a Celtic prince who was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth's Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054. He is said to have crossed his own bloody claymore (the two-handed broadsword of Scotland) and crossed it over the bloodier sword of the defeated Chief and danced over them both in exultation. This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors, and in subsequent battles, clansman would cross their swords and dance around them in the same way. In addition to being a test of skill and agility, it was believed that if they could complete the dance without touching the swords, it was a good omen that they would be victorious in the coming battle. However to touch or displace the swords was a bad omen and was indicative of losses or even defeat.
Scottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore.This is the legend of militant, freedom-loving Scots, a name in the dance most accurately express the power of their own experiences. The most striking example - the story, "making a dance with swords (Sword Dance), tells how King Malcolm (one of the main enemies of the famous Shakespeare's Macbeth, XI Century), folded on the ground two blood-soaked sword: one own, and another - killed the enemy - they danced in honor of its own victory. Another version of the legend says that the dance did not Malcolm took two swords, a sword and severed head of the enemy.The earliest reference to these dances are mentioned in the Scottish Chronicles (from the English. «Scotichronicon»), which were drawn up by Walter Bower (Walter Bower) at 1440h, respectively.
The Scottish dance with swords (English — The Sword Dance, on гэльск. — Ghillie Callum), is executed on two crossed swords and it is one of four oldest traditional Scottish dances.
ОтветитьУдалитьDances with swords were executed by soldiers in different parts of Europe during the prehistoric period. But their some kinds also are characteristic and for the late Middle Ages. Ritual and fighting dances which glorified epic feats and military art were as a characteristic feature of the Scottish culture and folklore.
Scottish sword dances are ritualistic and combative dances that imitate epic deeds and martial skills and are a familiar feature in Scottish tradition and folklore. Notwithstanding Welsh and English Morris dance, related dances are known in Austria, Germany, Flanders, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Romania. Moreover, some ezpatadantza (Basque sword dances) seem strikingly similar to their Scottish cousins which makes some scholars suspect a common low-medieval or Renaissance ancestry.
ОтветитьУдалитьScottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore.Today there is a Sword Dance, the executable on the crossed swords.
ОтветитьУдалитьWOW!!Fantastic, especially the end of the dance!!There are some interesting facts about the history of this dance, I'd like to share this information with you!!!There is no Highland Dance older or better known than the Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe Sword Dance is the ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael and is said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore (Shakespear’s MacBeth).
Tradition says the original Ghillie Callum was a Celtic prince who was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth's Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054.
He is said to have crossed his own bloody claymore (the two-handed broadsword of Scotland) and crossed it over the bloodier sword of the defeated Chief and danced over them both in exultation.
This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors, and in subsequent battles, clansman would cross their swords and dance around them in the same way. In addition to being a test of skill and agility, it was believed that if they could complete the dance without touching the swords, it was a good omen that they would be victorious in the coming battle. However to touch or displace the swords was a bad omen and was indicative of losses or even defeat.
oh, I really admired this video! The Sword dance is extremely fabulous and stunning! In my opinion, the dance reflects character and mood of the Scottish by means of special music and folk elements. Moreover, it creates wonderful atmosphere and gives you an opportunity to feel this breath of ancientry and old Scottish traditions.
ОтветитьУдалитьWow! I am amazed by how people cooperated and danced. They don't consider such event to be bizzare or inappropriate, instead, they respect and like what they do. I really admire them! I agree with Nastya about the atmosphere. The dance gives the feeling of the nation's unity. It seems as if you are dancing with those men. Wonderful tradition, great performance...
ОтветитьУдалитьI admire these men, they believe in what they are doing and want to encourage Scotland to keep its traditions alive and well! Originally the Sword Dance was danced on the evening before a battle. The soldier dancing should not touch the swords, or ill fortune would follow him into battle.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe first person to use swords in this way has probably been lost in time, but one tale attributes it to Malcolm Canmore, who won the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054, against one of MacBeth's chiefs. He is said to have used his enemy's sword and his own to form a cross on the floor, and to have danced a victory jig to the skirl of his pipers.
The sword dance is a natural for Highland Games, and can invariably been seen at these gatherings.
SWORD DANCE.Folk dance by men, with swords or two-handled blades, expressing themes such as human and animal sacrifice for fertility, battle mime, and defense against evil spirits.
ОтветитьУдалитьIt originated in Greek and Roman times. A sword dance appeared in Germany in 1350 and later was part of the court ballet when mock battles were staged. The Scottish sword dance is a descendant of the early crossed-sword dances, and the Morris dance retains remnants of the sword dance. Outside of Europe, such dances are found in India, Borneo, and the Balkans.
One story is that this was a dance of victory, as the King danced over his bloody claymore, the two handed broadsword of Scotland, and the even bloodier head of his enemy. Some say that no severed head was used and that the King danced over his own sword crossed over the sword of his enemy. Another story is that the Sword Dance was danced prior to a battle. To kick the swords was considered a bad omen for the impending battle, and the soldier would expect to be wounded. If many of the soldiers kicked their swords the chieftain of the clan would expect to lose the battle.
ОтветитьУдалитьScottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore.
This is the legend of militant, freedom-loving Scots, a name in the dance most accurately express the power of their own experiences. The most striking example - the story, "making a dance with swords (Sword Dance), tells how King Malcolm (one of the main enemies of the famous Shakespeare's Macbeth, XI Century), folded on the ground two blood-soaked sword: one own, and another - killed the enemy - they danced in honor of its own victory. Another version of the legend says that the dance did not Malcolm took two swords, a sword and severed head of the enemy.
The earliest reference to these dances are mentioned in the Scottish Chronicles (from the English. «Scotichronicon»), which were drawn up by Walter Bower (Walter Bower) at 1440h, respectively.
I'm really delighted with this national dance!It shows how solid the British are as a nation.
ОтветитьУдалитьI'd like to add some interesting facts about this.The dance commences by the five dancers forming a circle each holding one sword in his right hand, often clashing their swords together before grasping in their left hands the free end of the sword held by the dancer in front. The only time this chain is broken is to present a star of five interlocked swords. The dancers step or “jig” in a characteristic way throughout the dance. There may also be one or two “characters” (sometimes known as “fools”) known as “Tommy” and “Betty” (historically as “The Captain” and “Bessy”).The feature of Rapper dancing which cannot be disputed is the unique “swords” and no matter how the dance may vary in any other respect, without swords it is simply not Sword dancing.
The Kingsmen perform two traditional rapper dances. One is Kingsmen Sword dance and the other is an older tradition called Byker Buildings, which was “rediscovered” by the Kingsmen in 1994.
This dance is danced over two crossed swords. The origin dates back to 1058, after a battle near Dunsinane, when Malcolm III, Canmore, King of the Scots, after slewing his opponent and, overjoyed at his victory, placed his bloody claymore, (a two-handed sword), and that of his enemy on the ground in the form of a cross and danced in triumph over them. According to legend, the warriors that were able to dance the Sword Dance without touching the sword with his feet would be successful in the approaching battle.
ОтветитьУдалитьFor almost a thousand years, it has been a demonstration of courage and dexterity, the successful completion of which heralded victory in battle.
There is no Highland Dance older or better known than the Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe Sword Dance is the ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael and is said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore (Shakespear’s MacBeth).
Tradition says the original Ghillie Callum was a Celtic prince who was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth's Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054.
He is said to have crossed his own bloody claymore (the two-handed broadsword of Scotland) and crossed it over the bloodier sword of the defeated Chief and danced over them both in exultation.
This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors, and in subsequent battles, clansman would cross their swords and dance around them in the same way. In addition to being a test of skill and agility, it was believed that if they could complete the dance without touching the swords, it was a good omen that they would be victorious in the coming battle. However to touch or displace the swords was a bad omen and was indicative of losses or even defeat.
Scottish legends gone history of Scottish dancing in the depths of the Middle Ages, starting with her around the XI century. Ritual and martial dance, which glorified the epic feats and martial arts have been a feature of Scottish culture and folklore.This is the legend of militant, freedom-loving Scots, a name in the dance most accurately express the power of their own experiences. The most striking example - the story, "making a dance with swords (Sword Dance), tells how King Malcolm (one of the main enemies of the famous Shakespeare's Macbeth, XI Century), folded on the ground two blood-soaked sword: one own, and another - killed the enemy - they danced in honor of its own victory. Another version of the legend says that the dance did not Malcolm took two swords, a sword and severed head of the enemy.The earliest reference to these dances are mentioned in the Scottish Chronicles (from the English. «Scotichronicon»), which were drawn up by Walter Bower (Walter Bower) at 1440h, respectively.
ОтветитьУдалить