The May Day Garlands are of various forms. Those in Peterborough are
formed of two hoops fastened together to form a globe and a stick or
stave through the centre. The hoops are decorated with flowers and
ribbons, and when the children possess one, the best doll is fixed on
the stick inside the garland. Two girls carry the garland which is
carefully covered with a white cloth. This is lifted at the houses and
the wondrous garland is exposed whilst the children sing the following
song, which is the favourite May Day song in the City. A friend has
kindly given me the music and words which she wrote on the 1st May,
1904: from the children's performance:
[Illustration: Music]