Ring Shout

By Crusader1307

Deriving from The West Indies (Caribbean) – with obvious African roots, a ''Ring Shout'' was a stylized ritualistic dance ceremony, which may have started as a type ''Pre-Hunt'' preparation. When transplanted to The Caribbean with Slavery, The Ring Shout was transferred to Folk Magic practices. In form, a large Group gathers in a circle (sometime several ''rings''). The Group begins to move in the same direction, using a slow one-step shuffle and stomp. In addition, The Group claps hands. Often, The Group will, at specific times – ''shout'' praises to a specific Deity. The vibration of all was seen as a means to bring forth that which was being ''invoked''. In Christian circles, many American Southern Baptists used The Ring Shout as a means of ''Prayer and Communion'' (between God and The Faithful). It is seldom practiced today, but can still be found in use with some ''Revisionist'' Christian Believers.