maypole

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maypole a tall pole, traditionally decorated with flowers or greenery and often with painted spiral stripes, set up on a green or other open space, around which people dance during May or springtime celebrations; in the 17th century, it was one of the symbols of secular revelry particularly disliked by Puritans. The tradition of dancers holding long ribbons attached to the top of the pole dates from the 19th century.

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