page_title: Hobby horse
hierarchical_section_title: Hobby horse
caption_attribution_description: English: Morris dancers along the Thames near Richmond, c. 1620. Detail of The Thames at Richmond, with the Old Royal Palace
context_page_description: The term 'hobby horse' is used, principally by folklorists, to refer to the costumed characters that feature in some traditional seasonal customs, processions and similar observances around the world. They are particularly associated with May Day celebrations, mummers' plays and the Morris dance in England.
context_section_description: The term 'hobby horse' is used, principally by folklorists, to refer to the costumed characters that feature in some traditional seasonal customs, processions and similar observances around the world. They are particularly associated with May Day celebrations, mummers' plays and the Morris dance in England.
caption: Painting of a hobby horse with Morris dancers beside the River Thames at Richmond, London, c. 1620
exif: {}