Maypoles

Maypole - Symbolism
... The symbolism of the maypole has been continuously debated by folklorists for centuries, although no set conclusion has ever been arrived at ... Some scholars classify maypoles as symbols of the world axis (axis mundi) ... Germanic paganism was followed in various forms, has led to speculation that the maypoles were in some way a continuation of a Germanic pagan tradition ...

Maypole - Regional Traditions - Britain and Ireland
... In Britain and Ireland, the maypole was found primarily in England and in areas of Wales, Scotland and Ireland which were under English influence ... Literary evidence for maypole use across much of Britain increases in later decades, and "by the period 1350-1400 the custom was well established across southern Britain, in town and country and in both Welsh-speaking. 1603, the earl of Huntingdon was angered when trees were removed from his estates for use as maypoles without his permission ...