Mayday

Leave all your work behind today, for it is Mayday! They young men have run out into the woods to collect may blossoms and a straight branch for the may pole. When they get back they will plant it firmly in the ground in the middle of the village and what a time there will be.

They will put sweet blossoms on the doors of all the good girls of the village, but I know one or two young ladies who will get a cabbage instead. Naughty girls, they are, and everybody will know who they are before this day is through. But the best girl, now, she gets to be the Queen of the May and choose her lover for the day.

She will lead the rest of us women and girls in the dance around the may pole singing songs of love--songs that make fun of jealous old husbands and gossiping busybodies. The men are not left out of the merry-making. There will be the wrestling and foot races, and jumping contests, not to mention games of dice and cards to lose their pennies on. There will be competition from the next village too and when it is all over, plenty of ale to cool everyone down and give us a day to remember.

Women on the Farm

The women's days were filled with tending the garden and animals, keeping the kettle of porridge or broth going throughout the day, and other home chores. Often, they helped their husbands in the fields, especially at the harvest, when the whole village became involved.

Many specialized in baking, brewing or weaving, selling from home and at markets.