Morris dancing began in England in the 15th century, when it was part of the celebrations held at crop planting or harvesting times. It was well known in Shakespeare's time, but by the end of the 19th century, it had almost disappeared. At that time, only a small number of people practiced it in villages in the English Midlands. Since than, it has been increacing in popularity in England and the USA, where people from all professions join together to celebrate the changing seasons. The dancers, known as trams, wear bells, wave handkerchiefs or sticks, and dance to simple tunes.