| The Fair Maid
Nursery Rhyme
Lyrics, Origins and History | The words and lyrics of the nursery rhyme 'The fair maid who, the first of May' reflects the traditions associated with Mayday.
Mayday in England was a holiday and the opportunity to indulge in some raucous fun. A queen of the May from the eligible young women of the village, to rule the crops until harvest and from this the tradition of beauty pageants may have evolved. It is believed that May Day celebrations date back to pagan ceremonies enacted by the Druids. The eve of May Day, is celebrated in many parts of Europe as Walpurgisnacht when it is believed that on this night witches are free to roam the world and cast spells. . | The Fair Maid | Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history | The fair maid who, the first of May
Goes to the fields at break of day,
And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree,
Will ever after handsome be. | 
| Picture of hoisting a Maypole at an English village | The Fair Maid | Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history |
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