The Puritans
The Puritans
May Day was most threatened between 1649 and 1660 when England became a Republic following the defeat of the Royalist ‘Cavaliers’ by the Republican ‘Roundheads.’ Under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, the Puritans ruled the country. King Charles I was publicly beheaded and the Monarchy was abolished along with the House of Lords and the Anglican Church.
The Puritans were pious and especially disapproving of the unruly dancing and heathen festivities surrounding May Day. They reacted intensely against the idolatrous Maypole, the symbol of pagan worship. In 1644 they prohibited all celebrations by an Act of Parliament, which not only applied to May Day, but included Christmas and other festivities. This ban was to last until the restoration of Charles II and the return of the monarchy on 29 May, 1660.
It is evident that a large number of customs disappeared in this period, but some, simply having gone underground, were rekindled on the return of the King and many were revived. Some revivals were probably less an indication of resilience or survival but more an expression of loyalty to the King. It is likely that some May Day traditions moved to 29 May for this reason.
