Ah, May. That time of year when the sun is making an appearance, the hedgerows start showing off, and across Britain, people inexplicably decide to dance around a tall stick in the village green.

Yes, it’s Maypole season. A spectacle of fluttering ribbons, and — depending on the coordination of your local schoolchildren — either choreographed joy or total chaos. Either way, it’s tradition. And like most English customs, it’s slightly quirky and full of history.

So, What Exactly Is a Maypole?

In the simplest terms: it’s a pole. Often wooden, often very tall. And it's decorated with ribbons, which are then woven and unwoven through a dance. Children and sometimes accompanying adults dance around the pole, weaving the ribbons into colourful patterns, all in celebration of… well, that depends who you ask. Spring. Fertility. The general hope that we might get through another year with some sunshine. 

A Brief, Occasionally Pagan History

The Maypole tradition is believed to have pre-Christian roots (which, in British terms, means “it probably started in a field when someone got bored”). Ancient communities across Europe celebrated Beltane — a Celtic festival marking the start of summer. Fire, fertility, and feasting were the themes, which says a lot about priorities back then.

When the Romans arrived, they brought their own spring shenanigans, and eventually, these muddled together into what we now call “May Day.” The Church tried to stamp it out, naturally. Later, the Puritans tried again. Which only made everyone cling to it harder, because nothing says “great British tradition” quite like mildly rebelling against people who tell you to stop having fun.

Mayfield’s Part in the Story

Now, here in Mayfield, East Sussex, we’re no strangers to tradition. Our village, charmingly perched in the High Weald, takes May seriously. It’s literally in the name. The May Fair has long stood as a symbol of community spirit — and also serves as a great excuse to get together and slightly overdo it at the Middle House (the local pub). 

Locals will tell you stories of past celebrations — children in white dresses and flower crowns, the crowning of the May queen, Morris dancers taking to the streets. It's a scene enchanting, quaint and laced with tradition, which is probably why it keeps happening every year. And the best bit? Nobody’s really sure when it all started. Which is perfect, because that makes it feel even more timeless.

Sussex, Spring, and Slightly Muddy Shoes

Sussex has always embraced May Day with enthusiasm, if not always finesse. From the grand revels of Lewes to the quieter, quainter village fetes, there's something comforting in the continuity. The smell of freshly cut grass. The slightly damp bunting. The faint sound of someone swearing softly as they trip over a recorder solo.

And here in Mayfield, we do it our way: with charm, history, and probably a tray of Victoria sponge somewhere in the vicinity.

In Summary?

The Maypole is one of those gloriously British things: a dance. A tradition. A ribbon-wrapped moment of collective optimism.

So when May rolls around, dust off the bunting, prep the scones, and don’t question it too much. Just follow the ribbon and try not to get tangled.

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