Matchmaking practices of the old times, or: maypole, the love boom

Since the 19th century, May Day has been Labour Day in most countries. Most people choose nature over the hustle and bustle of the city: it’s no wonder, with buds blooming, petals fragrant and sunshine so bright, it is impossible to resist.

May Day is a celebration of “not working”, of good weather and holidays. The usual activities at this time include bumper cars, shooting galleries and carousels, which are often accompanied by roast sausages and beer (with other non-alcoholic refreshments, of course).

The custom of setting up a maypole dates back to the 15th century, although many sources say that already the ancient Romans did it as part of the Floralia festival. Presumably, the May Day was the “legacy” of the that-time several days of fun. Although the first day of May was also a day to celebrate spring and the rebirth of nature, hundreds of years ago, young people were more interested in love than new shoots. No wonder that 1 May was a date of particular importance for the marriageable young girls, as well as for the young men who were courting.

In the days before virtual dating sites, courtship was a little bit more sophisticated. The lads usually chose a spectacular way to let their chosen one know of their interest: they put up a maypole under the given girl’s window. In the greatest secrecy, of course. Under the cover of night or at dawn, they would sneak up to their beloved’s house and set up a Maypole, which, in most cases, took the form of a flowering branch or a young branch turning green. Since the operation was not always so easy, they often went with their friends to set up a maypole, so that they could help each other.

If someone really wanted to make a name for himself, he would also put ornaments on the branches. It could be an apple, some sweets or – perhaps surprisingly to many – some mirrors. Of course, the lads seeting up Maypoles with carefully chosen decorations had to be very careful, as the green-eyed monster of jealousy could ambush at any age. Because, if a pretty girl had more than one suitor, there was a danger that a rival suitor would steal the decorations from the maypole. To avoid this, it was common for young men to set up a guard next to their maypole. Love is indeed something to be careful of.

As with so many things, sooner or later – at the end of May to be precise – the maypoles had their day, too: they were cut down in a big ceremony, but before that they were danced around a few times and even a tree-climbing competition was organised. The latter was quite a challenge, as the trunk of the tender tree was slippery: but those who managed to climb up were rewarded with a candy or a drink.

The popular custom of giving a serenade came into vogue between the two world wars, when a man in love would serenade the girl outside his window at night or at dawn for whom his heart beat faster. The song was usually accompanied by professional musicians, and if the chosen girl reciprocated the feelings, she would light a match or a candle in the window. In wealthier houses, the suitor was also treated to a little wine and cake.

Care had to be taken when choosing the address for the evening! The story goes that once a man accidentally went to the wrong house to serenade a girl who was already a woman: the husband, shaken out of his sleep, beat up the young man and the accordionist singing in the wrong place...  Fortunately, the stranded boy found the right house and later even married the lady of his heart.

Lesson learned: love smears could happen during setting up maypoles and giving serenades in the old days, just as they can in the 21st century world of online dating. Of course, one thing hasn’t changed since then: true love always finds a way sooner or later.