A maypole is put up in town as part of folk festivals that are usually held in the spring - often May 1. It's a good way to celebrating the changing of the seasons. It's put up by a bunch of big guys by hand. This all comes with a catch. Towns often like to sneak in and take the maypoles of other towns. Then they hold it for ransom. The payment usually comes in the form of large quantities of beer. Even so, the teasing from the "victors" lasts even longer than the beer.
The tradition goes back to the 16th century. The colors of red and white are painted on the pole to give a clear to its location, and emblems are used to depict local industries.
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