Dancing to a great tradition

’Tis the merry month of May and time to revel in the joys of spring with maypoles, crowns of daisies, picnics and, of course, morris dancers. Bernard Bale talks to the Kennet Morris Men

- Bernard Bale

May Day as a festivity dates back to the days of the Roman Empire and possibly beyond. The Romans liked their festivals and at the end of April they celebrated Floralia, named after Flora the Roman Goddess of Flowers. The Anglo-Saxons had their own pagan festivities so it was a case of any excuse for a party.

The origins of the maypole are up for debate. Some see a link with fertility while others simply see it as a tribute to the tree. Its true origin has never been established and here in our part of the world it has simply become the focal point of country dancing and a possible picnic.

Virtually every country has its own May Day traditions, beliefs and reasons but as well as baking special cakes, most people make a May punch, involving fresh strawberries, white wine, soda water or lemonade and woodruff, which these days has largely been replaced by an artificial aroma. In truth, you can chuck in anything you want as long as it smells and tastes good.

Another old practice is to make a garland of flowers and hang it on your neighbour’s door without them seeing you. If they catch you they are entitled to ask for a kiss. Sounds as if that could make a come-back.

Of course, May Day is about fun including country dancing and especially morris dancing. They don’t come any better than the Kennet Morris Men who are based in the Reading area and perform mainly around Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.