The Maypole is an ancient fertility symbol belonging 1 the beginning of summer, and it also represents a tree. Indeed 2 one time it was a tree, brought in 3 the woods with ceremony, and set up on the village green. In the darkness of the early morning, the young people went out 4 May Day and cut 5 a tall young tree and brought it home, to be decorated with flowers and garlands and to serve as a centre for their dances.