The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Pat Doody

Young girls from the community learned about the traditions of the Maypole dance at the Tehachapi Library on May 1. The ceremonial folk dance is performed around a tall decorated pole and hung with ribbons that are woven into complex patterns by the dancers. The dances are revivals of ancient dances around a living tree as part of spring rites to ensure nature's fertility.