Each of the party took one of these ribbons, and under the direction of Miss Hart, they danced round the May-pole, weaving the ribbons in and out.

It was a complicated matter at first, but they soon learned how, and wove and unwove the ribbons many times without getting tangled once.

As they danced, they sang a little May song that Miss Hart had taught them, and as they danced faster and faster it became a frolic rather than a dignified rite.
At last, all out of breath they dropped on the grass, and begged Miss Hart to tell them a story.
"I'll tell you of the origin of the May-day celebrations," she said.
"May-day has been a festival since very ancient times.

Its reason for being is the natural feeling that comes to every one at the glad spring time.

When Nature breaks out into new life and beauty, our hearts feel a sympathetic gladness, and a celebration of the spring is the natural outcome.