Traditionally, this time of year is all about preparing for Winter and also remembereing those that have passed - the beloved dead. The Wild Hunt Ceremony sees two dragons - red and white - that symbolise Summer and Winter parade through the streets before engaging in mock battle. It also sees the appearance of the Winter King and the legendary Welsh hero Gwyn Ap Neath, King of the Faeries and Lord of Hell, as he rides the land of Avalon. He is strongly associated with Glastonbury Tor and so the event finishes there.
I love the pageantry and costumes - people go the extra mile for these important community events.
I also love the fact that the Glastonbury Border Morris go a bit Goth for the event. And nice too to see a mixed side of male and female dancers. It really should not be the sole preserve of beardy old men. Morris needs young blood to survive and, in Glastonbury at least, the tradition looks safe for a few years yet.
For more info see here.
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