Wednesday, March 19, 2025

The Maypole Dance

Date:

Share post:

spot_img

So, what’s a maypole? A quick Google search will tell you it’s “a painted pole decorated with flowers”.People tie ribbons to the top of a maypole on this day, to mark the colourful spirit of spring.

How did people get around to dancing round the maypole?

Historically, it can be traced to Rome, Western Europe, Latin America and Northern Africa. Evidence suggests a strong link to pagan rituals in 13th century Germany.Eventually, the dance ritual spread to other parts of the world, for instance, pre-Colombian Latin America where similar ribbon dances were performed.

With time, it became an important celebration to mark the season of spring. In Scandinavia, for instance, it is called ‘MidSummer’. Fertility seems to be an important motif of this dance.

Scholars believe that it was originally a tree, perhaps, Maple, Pine, Hawthorn or Birch. Only the trunk remained and it would become symbolic for the people. Beliefs surrounding the tradition say that the tree represents masculine energy while the ribbons and flowers, feminine energy. The flowers used traditionally are Hawthorne or Lily of the Valley.

Keeping in line with this belief, dancers are usually boys and girls, each holding ribbons of different colours.Where the age group is diverse, younger dancers form the inner circle while older dancers form the outer circle.

This day has not escaped the fantastical realm either. Some people even believe that this is a day when fairies travel to Earth; rather, it’s their last chance to visit the mortal realm.

Unfortunately, and not to mention, in a bizarre development, it was even banned.

Persecution began in early 17th century. The British Parliament banned the dance because they felt it was not morally right. But it was also in the same century when it was revived under the rule of Charles II. The year was 1644. Still, certain sections of people were not happy. In 17th century New England, the Puritans viewed the Maypole Dance with suspicion which, in turn, led to fewer dances.

However, there was a shift in perception.

It is back with a bang in the modern era. Now, it marks the shift from dreary winter to a vibrant spring, the beginning of life itself.

spot_img

Related articles

Petrol pump-rangni somoiko bariatchina AMMSU didia

TURA: West Garo Hills a·jani a·kawe jolrango donggipa petrol pump-rangko seng·gnang chiprongengani a·sel kam nangchongmotana songre songgabatna nanggipa...

WJH-o nok wa·al kamanio bi·sa saksako kamchapa

SHILLONG: Sombar walo, West Jaintia Hills a·jani ning·o donggipa Sahsniang-B songo, nok te·sako wa·al kamanio, bilsi 4 ong·gipa...

Garo Hills-ba State Level Table Top Exercise-o bak ra·a

AMPATI: Banggriani aro a·a ruronganirangona tarisamsona gita State Level Mock Exercise-ko Bristibar salo ong·atengani gimin Mongolbar salo dingtangmancha...

Urgent action needed to confront Tura’s growing drug crisis

Editor, It’s disheartening to witness the escalating drug menace that has engulfed Tura, once a serene and peaceful town...