EFDSS Sword Lock Logo

The printed form of the sword lock logo was first used by the English Folk Dance Society (a precursor to the EFDSS) in January of 1926. Minutes of the committee meeting on December 2nd, 1925 mentions "the Society's badge" to be used on the cover of the programme for the All England Festival - suggesting that the sword lock design was already in use in the form of a badge. The programme for this festival, held on 1 January 1926 is the earliest known instance of the printed logo. A note in the minutes of 25 July, 1913 states that "Mrs Kettlewell submitted two designs for a badge to be on sale to members of the Society." Badges in bronze (for members and associates of the Society) or silver (for holders of the Advanced Certificate or approved teachers) finish were listed for sale in a leaflet from August 1914, although no description of the design is given. From 1922 a gold version of the badge has been bestowed as the Society's highest honour to those who have made significant contributions to the folk arts.

About the design:

1) The logo/badge design is a representation of a traditional longsword lock, used by linked-sword dancers in the north east of England, primarily Yorkshire. It is one of many patterns possible with six swords. It is the most commonly used longsword lock as it is easily made without distorting the shape of the set of dancers. The swords in the lock are also the most common shape (some have rounded tips, or ribbons on the point end). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Sword_dance

2) It was most likely chosen for its simple, graphic appeal, as opposed to other dance implements, such as handkerchiefs, bells, garlands, etc. The Country Dance and Song Society of the USA uses a similar sword lock logo.

3) Any religious or ritual significance is entirely in the eyes of the beholder. The sword dances are not based on ancient rituals. According to Steve Corrsin's Sword Dancing in Europe: a History, very few records of sword dancing in England exist before the mid-eighteenth century.