Maypole

The history of the Maypole is fascinating. A tall tree trunk was decorated with flowers, branches, garlands and flags, and often painted with brightly coloured stripes, and the people danced around it in a circle. Sometimes the Maypole stayed in place and was used for other celebrations of late Spring, such as those associated with Whitsuntide.

At Welton, near Lincoln, the tradition of the Maypole is still celebrated under the direction of Mrs Susan Gaisford, a local ballet teacher. Rain or shine, the May Queen is crowned and the Green Man appears amongst the crowds alongside other traditions old and new. The Maypole retains its place at the centre of the celebrations and the children continue to dance.

Chambers Book of Days has more information about May Day traditions.