sang and dance or made sacrifices

[keannu]

Does this structure denote "(sang and dance) or (made sacrifices)" or "(sang) and (dance or made sacrifices)"? Or does it depend?

ma111)Throughout history, people have dreamed of making rain. In ancient times, people sang and dance or made sacrifices to rain gods in hope of rain...

 

[Gillnetter]

Does this structure denote "(sang and dance) or (made sacrifices)" or "(sang) and (dance or made sacrifices)"? Or does it depend?

ma111)Throughout history, people have dreamed of making rain. In ancient times, people sang and dance or made sacrifices to rain gods in hope of rain...

Seeing that "sang" is in the past, let's use "danced". What confusion do you have with "or"? I sing or I drive - I do one but not both. The people either sang and danced or they made sacrifices.

 

[Route21]

I believe what Keannu is saying is:

Does it mean :

1. that they would (a) sing AND either (b) dance or (c) make sacrifices or
2. that they would (a) sing and dance OR (b) they would make sacrifices.

I believe both are possible and, although singing and dancing normally go together, many sacrificial ceremonies would, I believe, be accompanied by some form of ritual chanting and dancing.

Hope this explains Keannu's confusion.

Regards
R21