This vintage real photo postcard features a large group of children celebrating May Day. They are standing in a circle and most of the children are holding a ribbon attached to a Maypole. What is a Maypole and what is the point of this tradition? A maypole is a tall pole, usually made of wood, that is erected as part of a traditional May Day celebration. The pole is usually decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other decorations, and people dance around it, weaving the ribbons into intricate patterns. The maypole is a symbol of spring and renewal, and the tradition of dancing around the maypole dates back hundreds of years in Europe. In some cultures, the maypole was also seen as a symbol of fertility, and was associated with various rituals and customs related to the coming of spring. SOLD
FOUR FEMALE STUDENTS AND FOUR YOUNG CHILDREN CELEBRATE MAY DAY AT WHITELANDS COLLEGE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
This vintage real photo postcard features four students at Whitelands College, along with four children, celebrating May Day. They are holding a thin rope behind their backs. The previous owner of this postcard described the photo as a photograph of a “daisy chain”. I am not sure of what that means, but I find the individuals in this photo, and the nature of what they are doing, quite intriguing. Whitelands College is located in London and is one of the oldest of all higher education institutions in England. The college is part of the University of Roehampton. The college was founded in 1841 by the Church of England’s National Society. The school was established as a teacher training college for women. It holds the distinction of being England’s first college of higher education to admit women. The school has a long tradition of holding two major annual festivals. One of these is the May Day Festival. Whitelands College held it’s first May Day festival in 1881. The festival is held annually and traditions include electing a “May Queen”. The queens’s “coronation” is presided over by a visiting Anglican Bishop. It is interesting to note that photos reveal that children took part in the coronation ceremony. For example, a young girl would walk behind the queen holding the train of the queen’s gown during the procession. Another tradition at the school is the maypole dance. This postcard was published by J. Russell & Sons. The studio was located in the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace was built of cast iron and plate glass. It was constructed in Hyde Park, London and it was the home of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The structure was destroyed by fire in 1936. James Russell & Sons were photographers in England that were active between the 1850’s and 1940’s. The studio has 692 portraits residing in the National Portrait Gallery. This postcard records interesting social history. It is in very good condition (see scans).
Buy this original vintage real photo postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3621
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$24.37
Buy this Origianal Vintage Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3621
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$33.37