Morris dancing is a traditional folk dance that originated in England. Morris dancers are the performers who dance and play music while dressed in colorful costumes and carrying bells and ribbons. Synonyms for the term Morris dancer include Morris man or woman, morris performer, morris dancer, and jingling johnny. The term morris comes from the Spanish word "moorish," meaning "Muslim," and it is thought that the dance was originally performed by Muslim mercenaries in Spain. The dance has evolved over time and now has many variations, each with its own regional style and costume. Whether called a Morris dancer, a morris man, or something else, these performers continue to keep this centuries-old tradition alive.