this purpose being the amaranth, which, like the former, is considered an
emblem of immortality.
In our own country may be mentioned the well-dressing of
Tissington, near Dovedale, in Derbyshire, the wells in the village having
for years past been most artistically decorated with the choicest flowers.
[2]
Formerly, on St. George's Day (April 23), blue coats were worn by
people of fashion. Hence, the harebell being in bloom, was assigned to
the saint:--
"On St. George's Day, when blue is worn,
The blue harebells the fields adorn."
Flowers have always entered largely into the May Day festival; and
many a graphic account has been bequeathed us of the enthusiasm with
which both old and young went "a-Maying" soon after midnight,
breaking down branches from the trees, which, decorated with nosegays
and garlands of flowers, were brought home soon after sunrise and
placed at the doors and windows. Shakespeare ("Henry VIII.," v. 4),
alluding to the custom, says:--
"'Tis as much impossible,
Unless we sweep them from the doors with cannons,
To scatter 'em, as 'tis to make 'em sleep
On May Day morning."
Accordingly, flowers were much in demand, many being named
from the month itself, as the hawthorn, known in many places as May-
bloom and May-tree, whereas the lily of the valley is nicknamed May-
lily. Again, in Cornwall lilac is termed May-flower, and the narrow-
leaved elm, which is worn by the peasant in his hat or button-hole, is
called May. Similarly, in Germany, we find the term May-bloom applied
to such plants as the king-cup and lily of the valley. In North America,
says the author of "Flower-lore," the podophyllum is called "May-apple,"
and the fruit of the Passiflora incarnata "May-hops." The chief uses of
these May-flowers were for the garlands, the decoration of the Maypole,
and the adornment of the home:--
"To get sweet setywall (red valerian),
The honeysuckle, the harlock,
The lily, and the lady-smock,
To deck their summer hall."