Free Printable Lessons for English Teachers
May Day traditions in Britain include Morris dancing, the crowning of the May Queen and Maypole dancing.
Morris dancers normally perform on May Day. These are men wearing folk costumes and bell pads on their shins. They use sticks, swords and handkerchiefs that maybe wielded by the dancers during their dance.
The May Queen is a girl who must ride or walk at the front of a parade for May Day celebrations. She wears a white gown to symbolise purity and usually wears a tiara or crown. She is generally crowned by flowers and makes a speech ahead of any dancing taking place.
Article Quiz: 1) Explain what ‘Maypole dancing’ is. 2) What does ‘revelry’ mean? 3) What happens in Edinburgh? 4) What is ‘dew’? 5) Where is Trafalgar Square? -- Role Play: In groups. One of you is the interviewer. There are up to four guests. You are in the Radio London studio. Today’s interview is: May Day traditions. 10 mins. 1) A tourist. 2) A May Queen. 3) A Morris dancer. 4) A Maypole dancer. -- Discussion, Grammar, On the board, Sentence Starters, Etc.