The Maypole is that tall pole that people (usually children) would dance around with ribbons, wrapping around the pole to make it look all pretty. This tradition has been around for at least 2,000 years from Roman Britain times.

It’s no surprise that poles are a somewhat shape of a phallus, a symbol of masculinity and the colourful ribbons and flowers on top symbolising femininity. Together these 2 are a representation of fertility and having the pole imbedded into the ground would be a way of encouraging that fertility into the land.

Beltane, which is also celebrated at this time, consists of bonfires which are lit to celebrate the power of the sun and light. Remember, in ancient times of Northern Europe, summer time was far more appreciated than it is now in our electric heated and light bulbed society.

In 1889, socialist movements adopted this day to make it about the working class’ rights. In Australia, we know this as Labour Day. Also in Australia, if you were to celebrate the true origins of May Day, this would be done at the start of November as obviously we are currently in autumn and would be silly to celebrate the beginning of summer.