Plough Monday - Molly Dance - Suffolk U.K. 2023

Dating back to the 15th century, the Plough Monday marks the end of Christmas. Born from necessity, at harshest time of the year for the plough gangs, they would disguise their identity with blackened faces, drag the plough through the parish and beg somewhat menacingly with the plough dance to raise money for the poor. Penalty of no donation could result in the wealthier landowners and employers’ lawns' receiving a ploughed furrow.
In East Anglia, The Old Glory Molly Dancers and their accompanying musicians mark the end of the season with the dance and by burning the greenery collected from the musicians hats.
old-glory.org.uk

[@lynnejames2592]

I really enjoyed this. Although I was in a clog morris side for many years, I only saw Molly when Seven Champions danced at Rochester Sweeps festival. They were excellent , very crisp and precise. So this is pleasure to see more of this with the history and routines joining together. Thank you

[@1961kickboxer]

Love a bit of traditional morris dancing

[@ulexite-tv]

Very evoative of times gone by. Thank you.

[@joline2730]

The Dance may be called Nelson's Revenge but the tune is Bonaparte's Retreat ‼️

[@joline2730]

Great to hear someone call out "Penny for the Ploughboys - only once a year". A great song written by Colin Cater last century (1999 or so he said!) It mentions the Straw Bear in the last verse (I know, I sing it ‼️). Love OGM 👍👍💕💕💯💯🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@anahatamelodeon]

Did you watch for long enough to hear them singing a bit of Colin's song? Always sung by Old Glory on Plough Monday at the Buck. BTDT (as a dancer, a few years back)

[@joline2730]

@@anahatamelodeon hi 👋 yes I watched it all - love OGM - I live oop norf now so don't get to see them any more - very sad 😪😪