An alternative explanation of the name is suggested that the version of the limbo performed in nineteenth century Trinidad was meant to symbolize slaves entering the galleys of a slave ship, or a spirit crossing over into the afterworld, or "limbo", but no literary reference is known to substantiate this postulated linkage.
It achieved mainstream popularity during the 1950s. The limbo dates back to the mid to late 1800s in Trinidad. Ĭonsistent with certain African beliefs, the game reflects the whole cycle of life.The players move under a pole that is gradually lowered from chest level and they emerge on the other side as their heads clear the pole as in the triumph of life over death. This game is also used as a funeral game and may be related to the African legba or legua game. Merriam–Webster lists the etymology as "English of Trinidad & Barbados akin to Jamaican English limba to bend, from English limber". It is conjectured that limbo is a West Indian English derivative of 'limber'. The word 'limbo' dates back to the 1950s. The contest ends when only one person can pass under the bar. After everyone has passed under the bar in this manner, the bar is lowered slightly and the contest continues. Whoever knocks the bar off or falls is eliminated. They must not turn their head or neck to the side. No part of their body is allowed to touch the bar, and no part other than their feet may touch the ground. When passing under the bar, players must bend backwards. All contestants must attempt to go under the bar with their backs facing toward the floor. It was popularized in the 1950s by dance pioneer Julia Edwards (known as the First Lady of Limbo) and her company which appeared in several films, in particular Fire Down Below (1957), and toured widely in the Caribbean, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa in the 1960s and later.Ī horizontal bar, known as the limbo bar, is supported by two vertical bars. The dance originated as an event that took place at wakes in Trinidad. The aim is to pass forwards under a low bar without falling or dislodging the bar. Limbo is a popular game, based on traditions that originated on the island of Trinidad.
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