St Catherine's Strathspey
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
ST CATHERINE'S STRATHSPEY (S4x32) Sq.Set Jim Haworth Ashmerg SCD1- 8 1s+3s dance RH across and LH across back to place
9-16 All set to partner, turn partner RH, turn corner LH, set to partner
17-20 Grand Chain for 2H, then turn ¾ RH with 3rd person. End Men facing in, Ladies out
21-24 All dance Double Men's Chain ½ way (Men LH across in centre). End with own partner and facing in
25-28 All Set and circle 8H round to left one place
29-32 All turn partner 2H. then circle 8H round to left one more place
All couples have now moved one place anticlockwise from original positions
(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)
Dance Information
Devised December 2009 for the members of the St Catherine's (Didsbury) Monday night class.St. Catherine or Katherine may refer to a number of saints, including:
Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of the Wheel, or Great Martyr Saint Catherine (4th century)
Catherine of Vadstena (c. 1332-1381), Swedish nun and author
Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), TOSD Italian philosopher, theologian, doctor of the church and patron saint of Italy
Catherine of Bologna (1413-1463), OSC Italian nun and artist
Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510), Genoese mystic
Catherine of Ricci (1522-1590), OP Italian nun, prioress and stigmatic
Catherine Tekakwitha or Lily of the Mohawks (1656-1680), Algonquin-Mohawk religious figure
Catherine Labouré (1806-1876), DC French nun and Marian visionary
Caterina Volpicelli (1839-1894), Neapolitan founder of the Maids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Katharine Drexel (1858-1955), SBS American sister, heiress, philanthropist and educator
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a revered figure in Christian tradition, lived during the early centuries of the Church and left an enduring legacy as both a martyr and a scholar. Born in the late 3rd century, she is celebrated for her unwavering faith, intellectual prowess, and her courageous stance in the face of persecution.
According to legend, Catherine was a princess known for her exceptional beauty and intellect. Despite her noble background, she dedicated herself to the Christian faith, rejecting offers of marriage from pagan suitors. Catherine's commitment to her beliefs led to her persecution under the Roman Emperor Maxentius.
Notably, Catherine's reputation as a scholar and philosopher grew alongside her spiritual devotion. It is said that she engaged in theological debates with scholars of her time, defending Christian doctrine with eloquence and conviction.
Saint Catherine's life reached a climax when, faced with the threat of torture and execution, she remained steadfast in her faith. According to tradition, a series of miracles occurred, including the breaking of the wheel intended for her torture. Ultimately, she was beheaded, becoming one of the Church's most revered martyrs.
Saint Catherine's feast day is celebrated on November 25th, providing an opportunity for believers to reflect on her courage, intelligence, and unyielding commitment to her faith. Artists throughout the centuries have depicted her in various forms, often with a wheel to symbolize the instrument of her failed torture.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria remains an inspiration for those who value intellectual rigor, spiritual devotion, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. Her life serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the impact of individuals who, against all odds, remain true to their convictions.
"Saint Catherine Of Alexandria" Michele Tosini (1503-1577), Oil On Panel, c. 1500-1540
Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original List Of Saints Named Catherine article on Wikipedia.
Image copyright Michele Tosini, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Published in https://www.minicrib.org.uk/Publications/ASHMERG Collection.pdf
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