11/06/16

Dating from the 16th Century, the tradition of Clipping the Church will be revived and reinterpreted by Birmingham-based artist Tereza Buskova in new performance and video work exploring motherhood, the meaning of rituals, family ties and relationships with the local community.

Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘clyp-pan’ meaning ‘embrace’ or ‘clasp’, the ceremony is often associated with Mothering Sunday. Clipping the Church took place once a year when young apprentices and women in service were allowed to visit their families and their ‘mother’ church. Church-goers would join hands and move around the outside of the church in an unbroken ring, often singing a traditional hymn.

https://clippingthechurch.wordpress.com/about/