|
May
day |
TO S |
|
Midsommarstång
! |
|
|
|
|
'Maypole' is a
translation of Midsommarstång -
the maypole we have
here in Sweden during midsummer.
It is a big cross with
2 rings hanging on it , and the whole pole is decorated with
birch leaves and wild flowers. We dance around it, and sing
special midsummer songs,- with flower wreaths in our hair!
This maypole is stuck
in to the ground to make the soil fertile.
I don´t know how old
this tradition could be, but I would guess
it´s at least from the
Viking-era.
|
|
|
|
May
Encyclopaedia Britannica says
it started in medieval and modern Europe,
a holiday (May 1) for the celebration of the return of spring. The
observance probably originated in ancient agricultural rituals,
and the Greeks and Romans held such festivals.
Although later practices
varied widely, the celebrations came to include the gathering of
wildflowers and green branches, the weaving of floral garlands,
|
![]()
Video clip copyright Encyclopaedia
Britannica
|
|
...also see ...
Maypole dancerita
Mayor return to the
month of 7
 |
©
2006