What do the bells, sticks, hankerchiefs, masks, and/or movements represent?
Nothing in particular, other than visual or sound effects to enhance the dance. Of course, the usual spiel is that the noise and activity “awaken” spring. This appears to be a relatively modern (from the early 20th century) tradition when the first generation of Morris revivalists thought they detected “pagan” origins in the dance. The movements do represent the dancing styles found in different villages. A practiced eye can detect which style of Morris dance is being performed by the type of stepping, the way hankies are waved, and the rhythm of the sticks.
