WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Keep Tidy Day
Aug 31
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"There once was a lady named Lizzie,
Whose kittens were terribly busy.
With a spill on the floor,
And paw prints galore, said
'This mess makes me feel rather dizzy'!"
This 40 bar jig and accompanying tune were devised for a dancer who encountered "lamp black" in her daily occupation, often resulting in somewhat unexpected stains! Lamp black is a type of carbon black that is produced by the incomplete combustion of oil or other carbon-rich materials. It is one of the oldest pigments known to humanity and has been used for centuries in various applications, including: paints and Inks, arts and crafts, printing; cosmetics and even shoe polish! One wonders what prints would be left on the dance floor if dancers should tread on anything more than a bit of "slip stop"! Clean-shod dancers can begin this lively jig begins with 3rd and 4th couple improper, moving to the other side on a second chord and look forward to the interesting "axum" reel i(n which every 2 bars all dance to the next position all around the set)! It's challenging to keep tidy, but perhaps a bit of lamp black can keep those ghillies sparkling and looking brand-new! 😜 🖤 🐾 🐾 🐾
Lamp Black Lizzie
Throughout history, soot has been an incredibly versatile material, utilized in a wide range of applications across different cultures and time periods. In ancient civilizations, soot was a primary ingredient in the creation of inks for writing and drawing. The Chinese, for example, developed ink sticks made from soot mixed with animal glue, a practice that dates back to around 2500 BCE. These inks were used in calligraphy, painting, and documentation, highlighting soot's significant role in preserving written history.
In the art world, soot has been a fundamental component in producing lamp black, a pigment prized for its deep, rich color and stability. This pigment was used in frescoes, manuscripts, and paintings, allowing artists to achieve striking contrasts and intricate details. During the medieval period, European monks used soot-based inks for illuminated manuscripts, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
Beyond the realm of art and writing, soot has had practical applications in everyday life. In traditional medicine, various cultures have used soot in remedies and treatments, believing it to possess healing properties. In some rural communities, soot was also used as a component in pest control, due to its ability to repel certain insects.
In the industrial era, soot found new applications. It became a key ingredient in the production of rubber and plastics, enhancing the durability and strength of these materials. Soot's inclusion in printing inks revolutionized the printing industry, enabling the mass production of books and newspapers.
Furthermore, soot has been used in religious and cultural rituals. For instance, during certain festivals in India, soot is applied to the skin as a form of protection against evil spirits. Similarly, some African tribes use soot in body art and traditional ceremonies, symbolizing various spiritual beliefs.
For more on "lamp black" now known as "carbon black", click on the blackest dessert around, "Black Velvet Cake" should you want a dessert to match your ghillies.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
