cm6 tQe 



of 



By HY. COLLEY MARCH, M.D., F.S.A. 



JJTHE cult of the maypole extended at one period 

 throughout the whole of Europe, and the 

 time of its celebration was the spring. The 

 tree selected was usually a birch or fir a 

 fact that suggests an Aryan preference ; but 

 other tall stems, like that of the poplar (i), 

 would serve. It was brought from the forest 

 into the hamlet by the general populace ; in 

 some places by women only (2) ; later by the 

 corporate guild ; and, last of all, by troops of children. The 

 going forth for this purpose was a joyful and eager event. 



" There's not a budding boy, or girl, this day 

 But is got up and gone to bring in May ; 



Each porch, each door, ere this 



An ark, a tabernacle is. 



All ! then, come forth ; wash, dress, be brief in praying ; 

 Tew beads are best when once we go a-Maying. 



We shall grow old apace, and die 



Before we know our liberty ; 

 Then while time serves, and we are but decaying, 

 Come, my Corinna ! come, let's go a-Mayiiig." (3) 



(1) In the Hautes Pyrenees, a fir or poplar. Among the Wends, a birch. In 

 the Hartz, an oak adorned with birch branches. See Der Saumkultus, by 

 Wilhelm Mannhardt, Berlin. 



(2) As among the Wends. (3) See Herrick. 



