Talk:Maypole
Phallic symbolism
Is the Maypole considered a male penis and what do the ribbons represent?
- I don't know about the ribbons but the maypole is a phallic symbol (i.e. "penis"). -Thorri 14:12, 21 Aug 2005 (UTC)
- What evidence is there for the phallic symbol? Sounds speculative!--Jack Upland 03:03, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
"Maia" & ribbons
Here is a quote to consider: “May Day festivals probably stem from the rites practiced in honor of a Roman goddess, Maia, who was worshiped as the source of human and natural fertility. . . . [The] Maypole is believed by most scholars to be a survival of a phallic symbol formerly used in the spring rites for the goddess Maia.”—The New Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia (1952), page 8294.
Additionally, it is reported that the ribbons were not added until the 19th century and involved intricate dancing styles and weaves that now seem to be forgotten. From my perspective the dances and maypoles appear to be linked to pagan fertility celebrations as are the rabbits and eggs of Easter. Using children in these celebrations adds another link to new growth also associated with fertility.
John Ruskin
Did John Ruskin really invent the ribbons? These claims are always hard to ascertain because folklore by its nature isn't written down.--Jack Upland 03:03, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
England vs. U.K.
Was the maypole really traditional in the U.K. outside England ? —Ashley Y 22:12, 2005 May 22 (UTC)
Sexual symbolism and the maypole
I recently changed an edit that favors the view of the maypole as tree symbol over a phallic symbol. I can understand where you're coming from, however, I think it's important to note this is still possible since phallic symbolism was not unheard of for this area. Not only do unearthed figures of Freyr discovered show this very well but Adam of Bremen also noted similar happenings at the Temple at Uppsala. :bloodofox: 09:44, 19 February 2006 (UTC)