Gather Ye all, 'round the
Maypole
The maypole is a tall wooden pole (traditionally of maple,
hawthorn or birch) erected to celebrate May Day or Midsummer. It may be
decorated with several long colored ribbons suspended from the top, festooned
with flowers, draped in greenery, hung with large circular wreaths, or adorned
with other symbols or decorations, depending on local and regional variances.
With roots in Germanic paganism, the maypole traditionally appears in most
Germanic countries, and countries invaded by Germanic tribes after the fall of
the Roman Empire, but most popularly in Germany, Sweden, Austria, England, the
Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Finland in modern times for
spring, May Day, Beltane, and Midsummer festivities and rites.
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