The may pole

We went to a cultural evening on the little Caribbean island (on which we live) and much to our amazement watched may pole dancing. It was done with a distinct Caribbean style and, like most things, to very loud music. All the same it made me reflect on the plantation class. I obviously knew they had brought their religion, foods, laws and so on but I had not appreciated that it included the pagan may pole.

Dear Mike,
The May Pole does not seem such a pagan thing. When I was a child, it was a weaving of ribbons around a pole. A childhood dance. Perhaps you are reading too much into this ceremony. Most rituals have their roots in the old times and the old voo-doo mumbo jumbo of the early culture. Dance or ritual, they are based in some old custom. We, as the great civilized societies of this planet, cast glances at the old customs and dances as hoop-la. But they are the comfort that holds many peoples.

The exuberance of the dance is a wonderful expression of spirit and a release of the soul for many. I wish I could have stood beside you at the May Pole. I would be smiling.

Love,
Betty

Hi Betty

At the Children’s school they have a collection of pre-Columbus artefacts found while building the airport. Beautiful pottery figures of toads and snakes and a wonderful carving of a turtle. There are many African traditions here too and it thrilled me to see an ancient, phallic, fertility rite so far from its European roots.

Here you go, Betty, this is all about May Day traditions and customs:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/mayday.htm

May Day celebrations have their origins in the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers:

http://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/flora.html

Dear Shelagh,
When I was a child, the maypole dance was practiced for weeks. The ribbons were crepe paper. What a lovely custom and dance. I do not think it is done today in schools, but back then, children had more simple fun.

Thanks for the links.

Love,
Betty

I think it would be pretty hard to find a culture that didn't make a big thing (so to speak) about phallic symbols and associate them with Spring.

Dear Lin,
I imagine, for school children, the may pole dance was not about 'big things', but just a nice kind of dance that ended up with a braided flag pole. Sometimes the prize is just that simple.

Love,
Betty