Mayday was a completely pagan survival in Christian England. It
remained one of the few to survive being claimed as a holy day,
and as such allowed the people complete freedom in its
celebration. There were numerous traditions which varied with
the district, but the gathering of hawthorn or 'may' blossoms
seems to have been basic to the day. The women would dance
around the may-pole singing songs, taking the lead in love,
which demonstrated a reversal of the rules of courtly love.
Couples paired off for the day with those of their own choice,
though not necessarily those whom they would eventually marry.
The custom of placing a cabbage on the doorstep of girls who had
behaved imprudently through the year was a method of social
control. Regardless of the degree of care they may have taken
with regard to their flirtations, they were bound to be found
out on Mayday. Surely only the boldest would risk not only the
wrath of their parents but the scorn of the village.