Why 'Maypole'?

For hundreds of years the decorated maypole has been a symbol of fertility, celebrating women’s ability to create new life, and bring hope and joy to the world.

The maypole therefore symbolises hope for the future, and each woman’s power to create a new life for herself after separation.

Ribbons were traditionally seen as symbols of love, and given as gifts, with the emotional significance especially strong when the loved one was absent. In the 18th and 19th centuries women used ribbons as symbols of the continuing bond between mother and child.

The woven ribbons of the maypole represent connections with those around us - including our children (if we are mothers), friends and wider family, interwoven with one another, forever joined.

The freedom of the lower ends of the ribbons represent self sufficiency and freedom in personal life.