CIRCLE, CREED AND SONG

Every so often, we'll use this blog to give you a bit more information about what we do and why we do it. This entry is about the structure of group nights.

Ceremony and rhythm are really important aspects of Woodcraft Folk. Elfins take quite readily to ceremonies, their romantic appeal and uniqueness adding a richness and colour which may be absent from other aspects of modern life. That's why we ensure that a typical Elfins group night has a number of fixed events. They are:


Opening Circle 
This marks the formal start of the session. We sit in a circle and the group is welcomed by the leader for the evening. A talking stick is passed around and everyone is given the opportunity to speak their name and tell their fellow Elfins a piece of news from their week. The aim of the stick is to make sure that everyone listens to whoever has it, and that everyone is heard.


The Creed
The Elfin Creed is a declaration - a simple statement of intent or purpose which embodies the ideals of Woodcraft Folk. There's lots of different creeds that have evolved since the 1920s when Woodcraft was founded. You can read them here.
Hebden Bridge Elfins recite the version that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. It goes like this:

I will grow strong and straight - like the pine;
Supple of limb - like the hare;
Keen of eye like the eagle;
I will seek health from the greenwood,
Skill from crafts,
And wisdom from those who will show me wisdom.
I will be a worthy comrade in the Green Company,
And a loyal member of the World Family.

As Elfins settle into the group, they gradually grow to learn it and gain confidence in speaking it out loud.


Closing Circle
This is where we give final notices - like news about forthcoming activities - and say farewell. We always finish with the Woodcraft anthem 'Link Your Hands Together', with everyone crossing arms and holding hands with their neighbours (a bit like when you do Auld Lang Syne). It's quite a stirring tune with lovely words that capture the spirit of Woodies:

Link your hands together
A circle we make;
This bond of our friendship
No power can break.
Let's all sing together
In one merry throng;
Should any be weary
We'll help them along;
Should any be weary
We'll help them along.

Again, the words to all three verses a can be found on the Wikipedia entry.