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The May-pole, 1866. Artist: Charles Cousen
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The May-pole, 1866. Artist: Charles Cousen
The May-pole, 1866. 19th century imagining of Elizabethans celebrating May Day, an annual European tradition thought to have originated as a pagan fertility rite. Young women dance and wind ribbons around the phallic pole, erected around 1 May or at Midsummer
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Media ID 15465813
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Annual C Cousen Cousen Custom Elizabethan Joseph Nash Maypole Midsummer Month Nash Pagan Paganism Phallic Phallic Symbol Tradition
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The May-pole, 1866
EDITORS COMMENTS
by Charles Cousen is a captivating print that takes us back to the Elizabethan era. This 19th-century imagining of May Day celebrations showcases a longstanding European tradition believed to have originated as a pagan fertility rite. In this scene, young women adorned in flowers joyfully dance around the phallic pole, an ancient symbol of fertility and vitality. The image beautifully captures the essence of rural life during this time period, with its rustic setting and vibrant energy. The men and women come together in merriment, winding colorful ribbons around the maypole as they revel in the arrival of spring. It's fascinating to witness how customs like these were deeply ingrained in British culture. Charles Cousen skillfully depicts this age-old custom with intricate detail and monochrome elegance. His artistry transports us to another era, allowing us to appreciate both the religious significance behind such traditions and their regional importance within Britain. "The May-pole, 1866" serves as a reminder of our connection to nature's cycles and our ancestors' beliefs. It encapsulates the spirit of summer while honoring centuries-old rituals that continue to shape our cultural heritage today. This print from The Print Collector collection offers a glimpse into history through artistry – an exquisite testament to human celebration throughout time.
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