Performance date: Dec 16 2019
“The Maypole is British in origin and was always practiced on May Day, the 1st of May. The Druids saw it as the beginning of a new year.
“In parts of north Florida and Georgia, the Maypole dance was a tradition in observing Emancipation Day activities on May 20, a few weeks after May Day,” Florida State University professor Jerrilyn McGregory wrote in her book, “Downhome Gospel.” “Maypole plaiting is an ancient rite of spring as well as a political pirouette for independence and freedom movements.”
Bryson instructed the students in plaiting the different colored ribbons around the maypole. Partners face each other and move in a circle, as one person moves in a clockwise motion and the other in a counter-clockwise motion – following an over and under movement with the ribbons.
It was a colorful activity that required close attention to direction, which proved to be a fun exercise for all. Several different groups plaited the maypole. As each group completed a round, the ribbons were taken out and a new group began the interweaving movements again.”
Emancipation Day – note the reference to Emancipation Day activities on May 20. There will be other entries Maypole Round the World relating to this tradition.