maypole

The cutting of a great tree and bringing it to a village to use as a May Pole was a great event in 

Medieval village life. It's origin comes from an ancient fertility rite.

A tall vertical pole decorated with streamers or ribbons that were held by dancers who performed May Pole dancing to celebrate May Day. The May Pole was erected on the Village Green or a similar open space about which the rustic May-day sports were held.

May Pole dancing featured the young girls perform circle dances around a tall pole, painted in stripes, which was decorated with garlands of flowers and other emblems. The youngest girls danced in the inner circle whilst the older girls danced in the outer circle. The girls each held a ribbon which was attached to the May Pole. May Pole Dancing involved circular steps during which the ribbons were intertwined and plaited. The May pole dancers would then unravel the ribbon by retracing their steps.