The traditional & x-rated origin (those offended by sexual subjects
should skip the next two paragraphs) In time for celebration the crown
was placed on top of the pole attached to a small branch stub or peg.
The ribbons were tied to the top, alternating in colors, to stretch far
beyond the base. Once the pole is ready, the men take the pole and
insert it into the shaft dug into the earth. Traditionally of course,
the pole represented the phallus of the God (in India this is referred
to as "the lingam") and the shaft in the ground represents the
vagina
(India: "the Yoni"). The crown and ribbons also represent the
Yoni. The
ribbons are weaved together in a dual-direction dance by men and women.
Dancers alternate male, female, male, female. Men will dance one
direction women the other. In some traditions men go clockwise
(sunwise), and women counter-clockwise. The men dance with their ribbon
over on the outside of the first woman they pass, then under the ribbon
and towards the inside of the next woman they pass. (Men only pass
women, women only men). This rhythmic dance creates a tight weave around
the pole that traditionally is to mimic the sexual act in order to teach
the crops what to do - copulate and become fertile. Produce.. When the
ribbons weave tightly around the pole, the wreath (represents the Yoni)
slowly comes down over the pole. Until it hits the ground to represent
complete union. It was a fertility rite or spell in its origins - a form
of sex magic. Today, you see it practiced all over without that meaning
prescribed to it.
Also in this practice, a Queen and King of the May was elected by the
tribe or village to lead the dance and festival. They represent the God
of the May (in Irish: Angus Mac Og, Roman: Hermes; Celtic: Robin Hood)
and the Goddess of the May (Irish: Aine or Erin, Roman: Floralia;
Celtic: Maid Marion). A bonfire was lit (balefire or Balder's Fires) and
sacrifices were made into it. Couple would jump over the fire holding
hands to assure their bond would last. Sealed by the fire's flame. Then
after the dance, the tribespeople or villagepeople would go out into the
fields and copulate, to show the crops how to be fertile and how to
produce. This was where the ancient orgies of Paganism took place and it
was acceptable at this time only to be able to make love with anyone who
was willing.