May Day Chants:
We are the flow and we are the ebb
We are the weavers, we are the web
We are the needle, we are the thread
We are the witches, back from the dead
Weavers, weavers,
We are weaving the web of life.
Weave, weave, weave me a rainbow
Out of the falling rain.
Weave me the hope of a new tomorrow.
Fill my cup again
Lady, weave Your circle tight
With a web of living light
Earth and Air and Fire and Water
Bind us to you.
The next day has arrived and it is May day preparations and celebrations, Loud cheering and clapping from children and adults can be heard as a young man climbs to the top of a maypole. The man places a wreath on top of the pole with his right hand. A man can be heard shouting out loudly as the wreath go's to the top of the pole. The Maypole represents the phallus of the God. The wreath atop represents the vagina of the Goddess. As the Maypole is danced, the ribbons wind around the pole and the wreath lowers, symbolizing the Divine Marriage, the sexual union of God and Goddess. --Yasmine Galenorn, Dancing with the Sun
After carefully placing the wreath on top of the pole the young man makes his way back down the tall tree trunk. The Red and White ribbons shake slightly with the light breeze. Wooden struts stick out of the trunk every couple of feet to allow someone to climb up and down. The traditional Maypole is a fir tree that has been stripped of all but its uppermost branches (often the trunk of the Yule tree was saved for the Maypole), but traditions vary. Some use oak; others pine.
The May Day dance is rich in pagan symbolism. There are usually eight dancers, one for each sabbat of the year, paired into four couples. (Of course, many more may dance. This is only a suggestion.) The dance involves moving in circles and weaving over and under the other dancers. The women take the white ribbons with their right sides to the pole, and the men take the red ribbons with their left sides to the pole. The weaving of the symbolic birth canal begins with music or chanting as everyone moves forward from where they stand, moving alternately over and under each person coming toward them. (To start, the men begin weaving under the upheld ribbon of the first woman they encounter). Continue the dance until the maypole is wrapped. Tie off the ribbons and let the wreath drop to the ground.
Birds can be heard chirping as Willow cleans a wooden table from outside of the Green Man public house. Willow opens the cloth to a full extension after dipping it into a wooden bucket of hot soapy water.
Willow lets the cloth's weight fall to the table as she begins to rub up and down onto the tables surface.
Suddenly Sergeant Howie appears having just left the front door of the green man pub, He approaches Willow as she cleans vigorously. Sergeants Howie's feet can be heard scrunching lightly on the soft ground as he walks over, Willow looks up at the sergeant and say's with a broad smile, Morning Sergeant.
Sergeant Howie responds with "Morning", Willow replies, Isn't it glorious? as she continues to rub down the table with the cloth. Willow looks around slightly at the people and the beautiful day as she expresses her feelings for the sunshine and natural sounds.
Sergeant Howie agrees as he looks away from Willow while folding his arms from behind his back, Howie say's Aye Aye, It's very nice.
Willow continues to clean the table as she say's, I expect you'll be going home tonight?
The sound of horses hoofs can be heard in the close distance, Howie turns to look at Willow as he say's, Well. that depends. Willow looks up and smiles at Sergeant Howie as he looks at her with a face of seriousness.
Sergeant Howie say's, Where's the school, please?
Willow immediately stops cleaning and turns to her right as she raises her right index finger in the direction of Summerisle's school, Willow say's On the, Willow turns to face Howie and continues, far side of the Green.
Willow turns to face the wooden bucket as she places the cloth inside with her right hand. Sergeant Howie replies, Thank you.
Sergeant Howie slowly walks off as Willow squeezes out the wet cloth with both hands. Water cascades from the cloth as a loud splashing and trickling of water is heard.
Willow squeezes tightly with both hands two times as she rings out the cloth, Sergeant Howie leaves Willow to her cleaning chores as he slowly walks right while still folding his hands from his back.
A Jews Harp can be heard making strange boing boing sounds as Ash Buchanan wearing a multi colored shirt steps down from the maypole.
The Jew's harp, also known as the jaw harp, mouth harp, Ozark harp or juice harp, is a lamellophone instrument (lamellophone means any family of musical instruments) It consists of a flexible metal or bamboo tongue or reed attached to a frame, The tongue/reed is placed in the performer's mouth and plucked with the finger to produce a note. Each instrument produces one pitch only, with its multiples (overtones), though different sized instruments provide different pitches. There is no standard pitch.
Jew's harps may be categorized as idioglot or heteroglot (whether or not the frame and the tine are one piece), the shape of the frame (rod or plaque), by the number of tines, and whether the tines are plucked, joint-tapped, or string-pulled.
A musician moves his right hand in and out slightly onto the Jews Harp as he continues to produce the boing boing sound. Another musician sitting on a wall behind moves his left foot to the rhythm of the boing boing sound, Suddenly the musician speeds up the sound and his feet tap quickly in fast succession as the boing boing sound speeds up in tempo.
The frame is held firmly against the performer's parted teeth or lips (depending on the type), using the jaw and mouth as a resonator (oscillation) greatly increasing the volume of the instrument. The teeth must be parted sufficiently for the reed to vibrate freely, and the fleshy parts of the mouth should not come into contact with the reed to prevent damping of the vibrations and possible pain. The note or tone thus produced is constant in pitch, though by changing the shape of the mouth, and the amount of air contained in it (and in some traditions closing the glottis, the performer can cause different overtones to sound and thus create melodies. The volume of the note (tone) can be varied by breathing in and out.
Sergeant Howie is making his way over to the local school as he passes the maypole, Twelve boys stand around the pole each holding either a red or a white ribbon in their right hand, The ribbon has been placed under the legs of each boy so that the ribbons are held securely and also to add some weight and resonance to the synchronicity of the boys movements. Sergeant Howie rubs his head and places pressure onto his forehead with a white handkerchief with his right hand. Howie has a headache as he could not get much sleep last night because of all the noise.
The camera pans out quickly as the boys begin to dance around the pole, The boys step back in synchronization as they remove the ribbons from under there legs and wrap the long fabric around there chests. A guitar begins to play a continuous chord as the boys warm up,
However many ribbons you use, you will need equal numbers of at least two colors, depending on the number of dancers you'll have. I recommend at least 6-8 dancers. Ribbons for the pole should be twice as long as the pole and about two to three inches wide. Colors vary according to preference. Traditional colors are red for the God and white for the virgin Goddess. Some use colors of the season -- hunter green for the forest, gold for the sun, or purple for the color of grapes and wine. I've even heard of people using a rainbow of colors to represent the signs of the zodiac. Some traditions request that dancers bring a ribbon in a color representing a certain blessing they might wish for.
Suddenly the School Master appears from the right clapping his hands as he walks into the center of the action, He claps his hands seven times as he looks up at Ash Buchanan who is slowly making his way back down the pole. The school master prepares to sing and teach the boys on the correct procedure to dance around a maypole.
The pole sways slightly from the weight of the young man..
Erection of the Maypole should be carried out with great fanfare. Once the tree has been selected, cut down, and the branches removed, it might be carried in processional to the dance site. Next, a hole must be dug. Pour an offering of water with a pinch of salt or a purifying herb like rosemary into the opening with words like: Earth Mother, may this offering
Prepare you to receive
This symbol of your consort, our Lord.
The school master begins to sing a song as he stands motionless. "In the woods there grew a tree, And a fine fine tree was he. The school master is passionate and very enthusiastic as he sings the words to the pagan ceremony.
Next, anoint the Maypole itself, using altar oil or a mixture of any of the following: myrrh, musk, and/or sweet woodruff. With the oil, make the sign of the solar cross, or the Rune inguz, a rune related to the annual "king's circuit," or walking of the land, to ensure the fertility of the land:
At each anointing, say:
Blessed be this tree,
Vehicle of our Lord
Which shall soon enter
Our Mother, the Earth.
The School Master raises and crosses his hands as he pauses momentarily, A small boy wearing a yellow shirt to the far right raises his left hand to his right side face briefly, Ash Buchanan drops down from the maypole and looks up happy and satisfied that the wreath has been securely placed, Ash turns around as he turns in a complete 360 degree motion as he continues to look up at the pole. The boy to the right is tightening his ribbon around his chest.
The red and white ribbons sway gently in the cool breeze. Birds can be heard tweeting as the music stops for a brief second in time.
The wreath should be made on Beltane morning. It is traditional to go to the fields to gather May flowers at this time. Fashion a wreath from greenery and decorate with the first blooms of the season. It must be somewhat bigger than the top of the maypole, taking into account any branches you left at the top, in order that it may fall down the pole as the ribbons are wound.
The School master raises his right hand as he sings the word Limb, ♪ and on that tree there was a limb, The boys are also singing along with the school master as they hop up and down while moving there hands in and out.
♪ and on that limb there was a branch, Sergeant Howie watches the spectacle with curiosity and intrigue as he takes his handkerchief away from his forehead. ♪ and on that branch there was a nest
Sergeant Howie stops and watches the singing and dancing with interest, Howie seems disillusioned almost confused at the sights and sounds before him.♪ and in that nest there was an egg, and in that egg there was a bird, ♪ and from that bird a feather came
The School Master crosses his hands together as he brings them close to his chest then back out again in a continous motion as he sings, ♪ and of that feather
The school master turns his hands downwards so that his palms are flat as he sings the last part of the verse, He sings ♪ was a bed, He prolongs and lengthens his voice as he stretches the words in synchronicity with his hands which slowly outstretch.
The school master and the backing chorus from the boys prolongs the word "Bed"as they sing the word long and continuous, The school masters arms continue to widen on the word as it is sung. The guitar and other instruments play loudly as everyone sings the song. The young boys continue to jig up and down.
Suddenly the music stops dead as the School Master quickly lowers his hands as far as they will go facing out at a slight angle. The musician playing his Jew Harp continuous his rhetoric finger strokes to produce the sound.
The birds are heard chirping as the silence continues for a brief moment.
The short moment of silence has passed and the violinist begins to play a fast chord as he nods his head in rhythm to the sound.
The school master and maypole boys begin to sing verse 2 of the song, ♪ and on that bed there was a girl, The school master raises his left hand high with palms outstretched as he sings the word "Girl"
The school master raises his right hand as he joins both palms together as he emphasizes the word "Man" ♪ and on that girl there was a man
The school master bends his arms and clenches his hands together to form two fists as he emphasizes the word "Seed" ♪ and from that man there was a seed. The boy to the right wearing a yellow shirt is shaking his red ribbon vigorously, The boy to the left is also shaking his red ribbon.
All boys are singing and shaking there ribbons vigorously with there right hands as the School master continues his hand signals. The school master sings - ♪ and from that seed there was a "boy", The school master raises his left hand high and flat so that he rests it against his clenched right hand to emphasize "Boy"
The school master opens his clenched right hand and raises it above his lower left hand as he sings, ♪ and from that boy there was a man,
The school master lowers his left hand under his higher right hand with palms outstretched as he sings, ♪ and for that man there was a grave,
The school master sings with passion as he holds his hands up one above the other and sings, ♪ and from that grave there grew..
The school master expands and prolongs the last part of the verse again as he slowly opens his arms wide to emphasize the meaning, He sings ♪ a tree
The violinist continues to play with passion as he moves his head and body in a rhythmic motion.
The music suddenly stops again before the chorus begins, The sound of birds tweeting in the distance can be heard for a brief moment in time.
The young boys stand motionless as they suddenly sing at an unexpected high pitch as they sing in unison and harmony, ♪ In the Summerisle, Summerisle, Summerisle, Summerisle wood
The school master begins to sing again as he continues to hold his hands out at a slight angle, Verse three begins with, ♪ and on that bed there was (The young boys begin to sway from side to side with there arms slightly outstretched as they tiptoe slowly around the pole with ribbons attached to there chest.)
The school master holds up his left hand with palms facing outwards as he sings ♪ "a girl," The boys sing a high pitched "♪ Summerisle"
The school master dances around the parameter of the pole as he continues, ♪ and on that girl there was a man, "♪ Summerisle"
♪ and from that man there was a seed, "♪ Summerisle" ♪ and from that seed there was a boy, ♪ Summerisle
♪ and from that boy there was a man, ♪ Summerisle, The school master is still using hand signals to emphasize his words.
♪ and for that man there was a grave, ♪ Summerisle
Sergeant Howie is still watching the unusual display as he holds his police hat flat to his chest.
Sergeant Howie has decided he has seen and heard enough as he moves off towards the school. ♪ and from that grave there grew
a tree (The last word is expressed long and continuous.) The boys continue to waddle around the Maypole in a side to side fashion as they sing and express there skills to the school master and Lord Summerisle.
Sergeant Howie has lost interest in the Maypole as more important issues are on his mind as he quickly walks along the path towards the school.
Sergeant Howie carries his police hat by his chest as he rapidly disappears from view, The boys continue to sing and dance accompanied by the school master.
The word "Tree" is still being stretched and prolonged, The school master holds his hands out wide from either side as he stands by the maypole, his shadow reflects to the grass below infused with the ribbons.
Suddenly the music stops and the school master lowers his hands to his side. The boys also stop moving and all is silent for a brief moment in time.
The school master suddenly runs from the maypole across the grass to the outside of the ring, The violin can be heard as the boys sing again " ♪ In the Summerisle, Summerisle, Summerisle,
♪ Summerisle wood. The boys begin to dance around the maypole again as they sing and dance, They dance in and out of each other as they move around the pole. The boys dancing to the right hold there ribbons in there left hand while the boys dancing to the left hold there ribbons in there right hands.
One half of the boys dance to the left in and out while the other half dance to the right in and out. ♪ and on that tree there was a limb, ♪ Summerisle
Sergeant Howie slowly makes his way over to an open window that Miss Rose the school teacher has opened to allow some cool air to filter through and to here the sounds that are drifting over from the maypole. ♪ and on that limb there was a branch, ♪ Summerisle, Sergeant Howie steps over a large shrub as his eyes look down briefly, He then returns his focus to the open window. ♪ and on that branch there was a nest, Summerisle
♪ and in that nest there was an egg, Summerisle
Sergeant Howie walks right up to the open window and can clearly see inside of the classroom. ♪ and in that egg there was a bird, Summerisle, ♪ and from that bird
Miss Rose stands at the front of the classroom and is exclusively teaching eleven young girls, Each girl sits at a hinged wooden desk and they are extremely happy as they slam there pencils and fists down onto there desks in a rhythmic motion to the sounds from outside, A loud wooden clattering sound is heard as the pencils hit the desk top, A girl sat in the second middle row from the left wearing a blue cardigan uses a ruler with both hands to generate the noise, ♪ a feather came, and of that
Miss Rose is supporting the girls actions as she slams her chalk board eraser down in rhythm with her students, Mrs Rose is very happy that her girls are listening and learning the words to the pagan chant. Miss Rose nods her head positively as she strikes lightly down with the chalk eraser. Sergeant Howie continues to stare in through the window and is rather affected by the strange and unusual behavior of Summerisle and it's people. ♪ feather was
The school master has his arms held high as the young boys continue to dance around the Maypole in sequence and selective ordering, The words expand and prolong once again "♪ a bed"
Miss Rose bangs her yellow chalk board eraser down a further five times in quick succession, This time she is attempting to silence the girls so that she can continue with the important lesson, Miss Rose shouts out loudly as she raises both of her hands and say's, Very well girls, That's enough,
(Miss Rose say's) Now it's time to pay attention to me. The girls stop there banging and do what Mrs Rose has requested. The singing and music is still heard from outside, ♪ In the Summerisle, Summerisle, Summerisle, Summerisle wood
Lightly heard music and song, ♪ and on that bed there was a girl, Miss Rose looks from side to side across the rows of silent girls as she decides who she will choose to answer a question, Miss Rose holds her hands to her stomach before raising them and pointing her left middle and index fingers at one of her students, Miss Rose say's, Now, uh, Daisy,
Daisy has her arms folded and is chewing some gum and is one of the girls that does not listen or learn as much as the others as she is slightly anti school. Daisy looks at Miss Rose silently as she listens to her question. ♪ and on that girl there was a man
♪ and on that man there was a seed, Miss Rose raises her right hand high and signals in the direction of the maypole, She say's to Daisy, Will you tell us what it is, please, that the Maypole represents?.
The rest of the girls turn there heads around and look at Daisy as they wait patiently for an answer, ♪ and on that seed there was a boy, Daisy is silent as she looks at another girl wearing a green shirt sat at the front of the classroom.
Sergeant Howie decides that he will walk to the entrance of the school so that he can speak with Miss Rose, Sergeant Howie leaves the window space and walks to his right as Miss Rose waits patiently for a response from the silent Daisy. ♪ and from that boy there was a man.
Miss Rose sighs with slight disappointment at Daisy's inability to answer the question put before her, Miss Rose nods negatively slightly as she slowly walks off from her position from behind her desk and to her right, As she moves along the floor she places her right hand onto the desk for support. The teachers feet are lightly heard tapping on the floor ♪ and for that man there was a grave
♪ and from that grave there grew a tree, Miss Rose raises her left hand towards Daisy as she sighs again then say's Really Daisy, Miss Rose applies slight pressure to her desk as she rests both of her hands together into the center of the teaching surface.
The word ♪ "Tree" continues to be heard as it is stretched and prolonged by the school master and the Maypole dancers. Miss Rose say's, You've been told often enough. Suddenly a girl wearing a red jumper who is sat at the far left second row puts her hand up eagerly and shouts out Miss as she thinks she knows the correct answer, This sets of a chain of events as the rest of the girls except Daisy raise there hands and shout out loudly with excitement "I know" Miss Rose I Know, I know the girls shout with enthusiasm.
Sergeant Howie is just visible from the right side entrance as Miss Rose say's, All right then, anybody?
The entire class of girls instantly reply to Miss Rose all at the same time and in Unison, They shout out loudly "Phallic symbol" Daisy watches as her class mates answer correctly but does not say anything. The girls then lower there hands pleased that they knew the answer.
Miss Rose responds and say's, The Phallic Symbol... All the young boys have finished dancing around the Maypole and have cleverly intertwined the ribbons around each other to produce a simple braiding pattern of thread, The boys are all reaching up and touching the maypole and wooden struts as the musicians continue to play there instruments.
The camera zooms in on the boys as they all reach up with hands outstretched in an act of worship and praise to there pagan god. The school master is ecstatically happy as he oversees the proceedings. Miss Rose continues her sentence, "That is correct"
Miss Rose refolds her hands together as she say's, It is the image of the
Miss Rose say's, penis, as she nods forward with authority, Sergeant Howie is stood by the double doors and can hear every word that Miss Rose has said.
Miss Rose points her two index fingers up towards the ceiling as she say's, which is venerated (regard with great respect; revere.) in religions such as ours.
Miss Rose raises her hands high as she touches both of her index fingers and say's, as she expresses her words with an up and down motion of her fingers,
Miss Rose continues, as symbolizing the generative force in nature.
A light thud is heard as Miss Rose rests her hands back onto the desk top. Sergeant Howie pushes one of the closed doors open as he steps into the classroom. (Light footsteps are heard) Miss Rose turns to look at the Sergeant as a low level squeak is heard as Sergeant Howie takes his left hand away from the door.
Miss Rose say's with slight surprise, Oh, Can I help you? Sergeant Howie hesitates momentarily as he looks quickly into the classroom then back at Miss Rose as he puts his white handkerchief away into his right side trouser pocket with his right hand. Howie holds his police hat with his left hand. Sergeant Howie say's as he stumbles on his sentence, Could Could I have a word with you please, Miss?
Miss Rose replies, Certainly as she turns to face the young girls, Miss Rose raises her right hand and quickly points her index finger towards the class before lowering both hands before raising her right hand over her watch. Miss Rose lifts up her left hand revealing a watch as she say's, Girls, open your desks and take out your exercise books.
Miss Rose turns to her left and follows Sergeant Howie as he walks back out of the entrance space carrying his hat with both hands. Miss Rose still holds onto her left arm close to her watch with her right hand for a few moments as she follows Howie, A light tapping of shoes is heard as Miss Rose walks over to the double doors. The school children are silent and are not making any noise.
Light wooden banging is heard as Miss Rose follows Sergeant Howie to the entrance. Miss Rose puts her left hand behind her back as she looks directly at sergeant Howie. Another wooden sound is heard as sergeant Howie expresses his thoughts and irritation to Miss Rose.
Sergeant Howie speaks with a sincere authority and concern, He say's, Miss, you can be quite sure that I shall report this to the proper authorities, The girls have brought out and opened there exercise books from there desks. Some girls have pencils in hand as they begin to turn pages and read text. A single desk sits undisturbed and empty on the second row to the right and this indicates that someone may be missing from the class.
Sergeant Howie continues, Everywhere I go on this island, it seems to me I find degeneracy. And there is brawling in bars, there is indecency in public places, (Loud sounds of children talking and shouting and laughing can be heard from outside mixed with sounds of birds chirping.)
And there is corruption of the young, and now I see it all stems from here. It stems from the filth taught here in this very schoolroom.
Miss Rose replies with a stern and edgy voice, "I was unaware that the police had any authority in matters of education."
The girls are obedient and are focused within there text books, A girl at the very front left wearing a blue head band suddenly raises her head after becoming interested in Miss Roses conversation with the sergeant. A girl at the far right furthest to the back wall starts to confer with her neighbor as the rest of the girls are seen writing and in deep thought.
Sergeant Howie replies, Aye Aye, well we'll see about that.
Suddenly Sergeant Howie turns away from Miss Rose and reenters the classroom while holding his hat with both hands. Sergeant Howie is a little annoyed and frustrated by what he has seen and also the conversation with Miss Rose, He has decided that he will use some of his police tactics and try and get some information from the school children. A loud tapping is heard as the sergeant makes his way back into the classroom.
Sergeant Howie places his hat onto a corner of a book shelve as a thud is heard, Howie then turns to look at the girls, Miss Rose follows behind as Howie say's loudly, "Girls, could I have your attention, please?."
The girls stop there mental exercises as they fidget slightly as they look up at the sergeant, (A girl in the middle center brushes her hair down with both hands.) A girl to the far left closest to the wall raises her right hand to her right side head before resting it under her chin. (A girl to the far back with ginger hair takes her left hand away from her forehead as she lowers it and brings up her right hand momentarily. Miss Rose stands silently just right of the double doors as she hangs her left thumb off her right small finger. Sergeant Howie folds his arms and stands directly in front of the classroom. Howie say's with importance, Now, I am a police officer.
Sergeant Howie hesitates as he realizes that the girls already know this information from his uniform, The sergeant raises his right hand to his chest briefly as he huffs under his breath then say's, Well, as you can see. Sergeant Howie continues as he looks from left to right, I have come here from the mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl.
Howie quickly reaches into his right side upper jacket pocket with his right hand for the single photograph of Rowan Morrison. This image is the only image the officer has to go on.
Sergeant Howie moves from his position towards Miss Rose as he say's, I have a photograph Here... Howie say's Excuse me to Miss Rose as he pushes forward towards the first girl sat to the left. A light tapping of feet is heard from the sergeant as he moves. Howie continues, "Which I would like you to pass around amongst yourselves."
Howie produces a notepad with the photo of Rowan carefully placed in to the middle of the book. The sergeant flicks through a few pages as he locates the image, Howie say's "Meanwhile"
Howie quickly glances at Miss Rose before passing the image of Rowan to the first girl. Howie continues, I'll write her name over there on the blackboard.
The first girl takes the photo with her right hand then as she draws the image closer she also holds on with her left hand.
The girl sat directly opposite wearing a green shirt leans over so that she can also see the image of Rowan. The sergeant makes his way over to the blackboard as the photo is passed around.
The first girls nods her head negatively after a few seconds of looking at the image, She turns to her right as she passes the image to Daisy to see if she recognizes her.
Sergeant Howie begins to rubs down the blackboard with the yellow chalk eraser starting from the top right corner, A sound of light scratching is heard as Howie removes the chalk.
Sergeant Howie rubs of the first few lines of strange pagan text with the eraser as he works his way to the left.
Sergeant Howie is happy with the space he has created as he looks at the board for a short moment before turning around while looking at the yellow eraser. Howie places the eraser down onto Miss Roses desk with his right hand.
The sergeant quickly looks at his hands for chalk residue as he turns to face the blackboard once again,
Howie reaches up with his right hand and begins to write out the first name of Rowan in big letters so that the school children become clear as to who it is the sergeant would like to find.
A girl sitting on the back row and sat directly behind a girl wearing a blue dress passes the image across to her. The girl in the blue dress reaches for the image with her right hand. The sound of the sergeant writing out onto the blackboard is heard. The girls are silent but show slight concern as the image is passed around among them.
The girl in the blue dress holds up the image of Rowan Morrison with her right hand. The sergeant is still writing on to the blackboard as he say's loudly, Rowan Morrison.
The sergeant streaks along the bottom of MORRISON to create a long white line, The sergeant taps loudly with the white chalk at the end of the white streak that creates a small dot of white chalk. The sergeants say's with a serious tone of voice, "That's her name."
The sergeant turns around to face the school girls as he say's, Now, do any of you recognize either the name or the photograph?
All of the girls are looking at the sergeant except for the girl sat to the left of the sergeant, She is looking down at the photograph of Rowan, The girls are silent and focused as they listen to the sergeants words, Suddenly the girl looking at the Photo lifts her head up and in unison all the girls nod there heads negatively and say "No." The girl sat at the front wearing a green shirt say's No but does not nod.
Miss Rose responds and say's, There's your answer sergeant. Miss Rose looks to her right slightly then back at Howie as she say's, "If she existed, we would know her."
The sergeant is playing with the white chalk as he rubs up and down with his right thumb and index finger along the top of the chalk, Sergeant Howie has noticed the vacant and empty desk on the second row and this has now sparked more curiosity and investigation.
Sergeant Howie raises his right hand with white chalk as he points to the empty desk, Howie say's with curiosity, Whose desk is that?, Miss Rose responds to Howie's inquisitiveness, Miss rose looks at the desk then breathes in deeply with irritation as she looks back at the officer and say's with slight annoyance, "No one's".
All is strangely silent as Howie lowers his right hand, Suddenly without warning Howie rapidly places the white chalk down onto Miss Roses teaching table while showing a streak of vexation. The sergeant looks at his outstretched right hand quickly before looking at a girl sat on the end row.
The sergeant retrieves the photograph of Rowan from the young girl with his left hand as he say's "Thank You." The sergeant then picks up his notebook from Miss Roses table with his right hand as he looks on over at the empty desk.
A loud tapping is heard as the sergeant walks on over the few steps to the empty desk, The sergeant looks down at his notebook as he places the photograph back between the protection of its white pages with his right hand.
Sergeant Howie reaches the side of the desk and reaches down with his left hand to the corner of the hinged wooden top. Howie lifts up the wooden top to reveal it's contents, Miss Rose is silent as she watches the officer carry out his investigations.
As soon as the sergeant looks inside the desk the school girls all begin to giggle with an unusual and disturbing excitement as Howie focuses on an almost empty desk except for a black beetle. The black beetle is tied by it's front legs by a piece of black cotton that is attached to a silver nail that has been hammered into the wood. The beetle is moving at speed around and around the nail as it pulls at the cotton in an attempt to free itself. Like the maypole the children have been taught that it is acceptable and right to carry out such a cruel thing as this. The nail represents the maypole and the beetle is representing the earth and nature as it twists the ribbon around and around the nail. An eerie off key and singular guitar string is being plucked to produce the sound score.
Daisy looks up at Sergeant Howie with a face of dishonest naughtiness as she has now been found out by the sergeant.
Daisy leans forward as she watches the beetle going around and around the nail and say's, The little old beetle goes round and round,
Daisy continues, always the same way, you see. The beetle is suffering as it pulls at the cotton with it's back legs, The beetle is trying to free itself and this causes the beetle to scuttle around the nail in its bid for release. The back leg of the beetle which is facing the nail is stationary and can't move as the cotton thread is lifting its leg up from underneath the beetles belly.
Beetles are a group of insects that form the order Coleoptera, in the superorder Endopterygota. Their front pair of wings is hardened into wing-cases, elytra distinguishing them from most other insects. The Coleoptera, with about 400,000 species, is the largest of all orders, constituting almost 40% of described insects and 25% of all known animal life-forms; new species are discovered frequently. The largest of all families, the Curculionidae (Weevils) with some 70,000 member species, belongs to this order. Found in almost every habitat except the sea and the polar regions, they interact with their ecosystems in several ways: beetles often feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are serious agricultural pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle, while others such as Coccinellidae (ladybirds or ladybugs) eat aphids, scale insects, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops.
Daisy continues, Till he ends up right up tight to the nail, poor old thing.
Daisy pushes her left cheek out with her tongue to express how the beetle becomes trapped and squeezed against the nail. Daisy speaks with a serious nature and is enjoying telling the sergeant her thoughts on the beetles suffering.
Daisy say's "Poor old thing" in a sarcastic way as she scrunches her face like a mischievous child, The reaction from the rest of the girls must now be having an effect on the sergeant as they all giggle loudly from the beetles distress and Daisy's words.
Howie slowly turns his head at the sound of the giggling girls and is not very amused at all,
Howie slowly turns his head back towards Daisy as he say's with misunderstood apprehension, "Poor old thing"?
Sergeant Howie's voice raises slightly as he expresses his concern, He say's, Then why in God's name do you do it, girl? Daisy becomes motionless and her mouth stops chewing as she looks down without answering the question.
Howie continues to look at Daisy as he slams the desk top back down, A loud thud is heard as the heavy wooden top hits the circumference of the inner furniture, Howie holds his black notebook in his right hand as he tries to fathom Daisy's delight at keeping a trapped beetle in an empty desk.
Daisy begins to chew her gum again as her mouth moves in and out from the squishy substance in her mouth, Daisy looks at the sergeant but is silent and unhelpful. Sergeant Howie say's loudly, I would like to see the school register, please as he leaves the empty desk and makes his way back towards the front of the classroom.
As the sergeant takes the few short steps back Miss Rose say's, I'm afraid you'll have to have Lord Summerisle's authority. The sergeant faces the blackboard as he say's, This is a police matter with a serious tone of voice.
Miss Rose looks down at her work desk as she nods her head negatively and say's, I'm afraid you'll have to have a search warrant, Miss Rose lifts her left arm slightly and say's "or permission" Miss Rose looks directly at the sergeant to finish her sentence and say's, from Lord Summerisle himself.
Sergeant Howie is not in a negotiable mood as he suddenly lifts up the top to Miss Roses work desk with a robust and rapid movement, Miss Rose has her hands on top of each other and is applying pressure to the top of the desk to deter and stop the sergeant from gaining access. As the lid lifts up Miss Rose is forced to remove her hands as she has no choice but to allow the sergeant to carry out his duties. A flute begins to play to provide the sound score, Sergeant Howie say's with a normal tone of voice, I'm afraid you'll just have to bear with me, won't you. Miss Rose becomes silent as the sergeant investigates the contents of the work draw.
A scratching and rummaging of paper work is heard as the sergeant focuses his attention on the contents of the draw. Miss Rose is not too pleased at the sergeants robust procedure but she will have to grin and bear it. Suddenly the sergeant brings out a large blue register booklet that he holds up with his right hand. The sergeant closes down the lid with his left hand as a wooden thud is heard.
The sergeant immediately begins to open up the register as he supports the back of the book with his right hand while examining the pages with his left hand.
Sergeant Howie quickly browses through the pages as he looks for an Entry for Rowan Morrison.
The first page is quickly discarded but has some useful information written down,
1: Cherry Anderson Date Of Birth - 3-3-1960 - Address, Kiln Cottage - Summerisle
2: Hazel Bothwell Date Of Birth - 17-8-1960 - Address, Summerisle - Castle Lodge
3: Rosemary Buchanan - Date Of Birth - 14-12-59 - Address, 2 Quay Cottages
4: Rhoda Finlay - Date Of Birth - 2-2-1960 - Address, Gamekeepers Cottage - The Castle
5: Ivy Ferguson - Date Of Birth - 18-1-1961 - Address, Beach Tree Cottage
6: Holly Grimmond - Date Of Birth - 21-9-60 - Address, 3, Main Street
7: Primrose McCaig - Date Of Birth - 29-4-1960 - Address, 12 Main Street
8: Lilly McCullock - Date Of Birth - 30-4-1960 - Address, 4 Quay Cottages
9: Violet McCrum - Date Of Birth - 1-5-1960 - Address, Castle View
10: Daisy Pringle - Date Of Birth - 8-10-1959 - Address, Ash Grove
11: Myrtle Tweedie - Date Of Birth - 17-12-1960 - Address, 9 Main Street
From this information it suggests that Rosemary Buchanan is the younger sister of Ash Buchanan, Some of the girls live on or near Lord Summerisle's castle and there is a very close connection with him, Lord Summerisle will be imposing his beliefs and idealistic views onto the girls incorporated into lessons on a daily basis.
As the year in question is the end of April 1974 the girls are of teenage years roughly 13, and mostly 14 retrospectively.
Sergeant Howie can not see an entry for Rowan Morrison so continues on to the next page.
The next page has not been filled in so the sergeant moves on as his hand flits over the page to the next.
The next page starts to ring some bells for sergeant Howie as he can see quite clearly that there is an entry for Rowan Morrison at column 10:
MORRISON, Rowan - Date Of Birth - 13-11-1960 - Address, The Tuck Shop
The register also has a large heading entitled BELTHANE TERM.
(Beltane is between April 30th and May 1st
Beltane honors Life. It represents the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Earth energies are at their strongest and most active. All of life is bursting with potent fertility and at this point in the Wheel of the Year, the potential becomes conception. On May Eve the sexuality of life and the earth is at its peak. Abundant fertility, on all levels, is the central theme. The Maiden goddess has reached her fullness. She is the manifestation of growth and renewal, Flora, the Goddess of Spring, the May Queen, the May Bride. The Young Oak King, as Jack-In-The-Green, as the Green Man, falls in love with her and wins her hand. The union is consummated and the May Queen becomes pregnant. Together the May Queen and the May King are symbols of the Sacred Marriage (or Heiros Gamos), the union of Earth and Sky, and this union has merrily been re-enacted by humans throughout the centuries. For this is the night of the Greenwood Marriage. It is about sexuality and sensuality, passion, vitality and joy. And about conception. A brilliant moment in the Wheel of the Year to bring ideas, hopes and dreams into action. And have some fun.....)
Sergeant Howie comes up trumps as he notices an entry for Rowan Morrison, He places his left thumb along the side of the page and then replaces it with his index finger as he homes in on the entry.
Traditions of Beltane
Beltane is a Fire Festival. The word 'Beltane' originates from the Celtic God 'Bel', meaning 'the bright one' and the Gaelic word 'teine' meaning fire. Together they make 'Bright Fire', or 'Goodly Fire' and traditionally bonfires were lit to honour the Sun and encourage the support of Bel and the Sun's light to nurture the emerging future harvest and protect the community. Bel had to be won over through human effort. Traditionally all fires in the community were put out and a special fire was kindled for Beltane. "This was the Tein-eigen, the need fire. People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse and to bring fertility. Couples jumped the fire together to pledge themselves to each other. Cattle and other animals were driven through the smoke as a protection from disease and to bring fertility. At the end of the evening, the villagers would take some of the Teineigen to start their fires anew." (From Sacred Celebrations by Glennie Kindred) Green Man - Beltane
Sergeant Howie slowly slides his finger along the entry for Rowan Morrison until he reaches her address which is now written is as - The Post Office. The sergeant stops his finger dead under the word "Post"
Mrs Rose is feeling a little edgy as she stands patiently to the right of the sergeant. Miss Rose coughs as she looks at her pupils in silence and contemplation. Sergeant Howie is intrigued and now rather angry as he feels mislead and has been lied too. Howie looks out at the class of teenage girls with a face of suspicion, The sergeant say's with a low tone of voice, You're Liars.
The teenage girls are silent and show little sympathy or emotion as the sergeant say's, You are despicable little liars. Daisy brings her folded arms further in to her chest as other girls just stare at the officer.
Sergeant Howie is frozen on the spot as his body stands motionless and only his mouth moves as he expresses his thoughts, Howie say's, Rowan Morrison is a schoolmate of yours, isn't she?. Howie nods down slightly as he say's, And that is her desk, isn't it?
The teenage girls continue there silence and continue to stare at the officer which is only making matters more frustrating for sergeant Howie. A girl sat to the far left middle row of the sergeant wearing a blue jumper suddenly raises her left hand to her nose as she stares silently.
Sergeant Howie snaps at the girls with a controlled anger as he say's loudly, Well, isn't it? Miss Rose interrupts the sergeant after his loud outburst and raises her left hand to express her feelings towards the sergeant. I think you ought to leave Miss Rose say's softly. Miss Rose looks directly to the side of the sergeant as she clasps her hands together from the stress she is now experiencing.
The sudden remark from Miss Rose has really upset the sergeant, The sergeant looks slightly left towards Miss Rose but does not turn his head or lock eyes with her, He snaps back at Miss Rose and say's, And you are the biggest liar of all! Howie hesitates momentarily then say's with a slightly lower volume of voice, I warn you, one more lie out of you... Howie hesitates again then say's, And I will charge you with obstruction. And believe me, Miss Rose, that is a promise. Miss Rose is looking down but instantly looks back at the sergeant after hearing his strong words that she could be charged with obstruction and sergeant Howie has personally stamped his authority onto that statement. ((1) A person is guilty of obstructing a law enforcement officer if the person willfully hinders, delays, or obstructs any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties. ... (3) Obstructing a law enforcement officer is a gross misdemeanor.)
Miss Rose looks back away and down towards her desk as the sergeant snaps shut the register with his right hand. A loud snapping sound is heard, A loud thud is heard as Howie places the register to the surface of the desk with both hands as he continues to look out at the girls with concern and frustration.
Sergeant Howie say's "Now" as he rests his hands at either end of the desk, Howie hesitates then say's with a stern expression, For the last time, Miss Rose looks back at the sergeant again as his words take effect.
Sergeant Howie speaks with conviction and say's clearly, Where is Rowan Morison? The teenage girls are like manequins as they sit motionless in silence.
Miss Rose turns her head and looks at the sergeant yet again from his side view and say's softly, I would like to speak to you outside, Sergeant.
Miss Rose turns to her class and say's, Girls, get on with your reading, Howie turns slightly towards Miss Rose but does not make eye contact, He is frustrated and angry with the situation and can do no more at this time. Howie breathes in deeply as Miss Rose say's, It's the "Rites and Rituals of May Day", chapter five, Miss Rose points to the double doors as she say's, I won't be long. Howie turns his head more towards the door and knows now that it is best if he did what Miss Rose requested.
A tapping of feet is heard as Miss Rose and the sergeant make there way out of the classroom and into the day's bright sunshine. Howie grabs his hat from the book shelve and holds it with both hands as he makes his exit behind Miss Rose.
The Sergeant and Miss rose step outside away from the pressures of investigation from inside the walls of the school, Sergeant Howie needs to find a fresh perspective if he wants to find Rowan Morrison and from what we have seen he is a dedicated police officer who will go far and wide to the call of duty. Light sounds of feet are heard on the steps as the sergeant say's "Well" as he looks down at the floor slightly disillusioned. Miss Rose turns to look at the sergeant in the bright sunshine but is standing her guard and is not giving anything away if there was any thing to conceal.
Sounds of children playing and laughing can be heard in the distance including the chirping of birds, Sergeant Howie turns to face Miss Rose as he holds his police hat in his right hand, Miss Rose speaks with maturity as she holds her hands behind her back and say's, You don't understand, Sergeant, Nobody was lying, I told you plainly.
Miss Rose tries her best to persuade the sergeant that she and the girls are telling the truth, She say's, If Rowan Morrison existed, Miss Rose nods positively to express her words and say's, "we would know of her".
Sergeant Howie responds and say's, You mean, she doesn't exist?
Miss Rose looks away from the sergeant as she looks at a slight angle not entirely enthusiastic about looking the sergeant in the eye, She quickly ponders on the sergeants words, Howie continues, She's dead?
Miss Rose continues to hesitate as she carefully considers her words, Miss Rose closes her eyes for a fleeting moment then reopens them as she nods positively and say's, You would say so.
Sergeant Howie is astounded by Miss Roses confusing contradiction and replies with incredibility, Howie say's, Oh Come on, Come on, Howie is looking away as he speaks but looks directly back to Miss Rose as he say's with a 50-50 sensibility, She's either dead, or she's not dead.
Miss Rose looks back down as she continues to ponder on the sergeants words, Miss Rose takes a deep breath of air as she say's, "Here", Miss Rose looks back at the sergeant and say's as she shakes her head negatively, "we do not use the word"...
Miss Rose becomes silent as she mimics and expresses the word "Dead" without making any sound.
Birds are chirping but all is silent, The Sergeant looks at Miss Rose and just nods positively from the teachers strong views.
Miss Rose looks away from the sergeant and looks up slightly as she say's with a strong conviction, We believe, Miss Rose hesitates then say's, that when the human life is over, the soul returns to trees, to air, Miss Rose looks to her right slightly as she looks up at the sky and say's, to fire, Miss Rose suddenly turns to look at the sergeant as she say's, to water, to animals.
The sergeant is listening carefully and considering Miss Roses notion as he turns around to look out at the beautiful scenery, A light scuffling from the officers feet is heard, Because the sergeant is a religious Christian he is trying to understand Miss Roses beliefs and those of the people of Summerisle.
Miss Rose breathes in deeply again as she looks down and say's, So that Rowan Morrison, Miss Rose turns and looks directly at the sergeant and say's, has simply returned
Miss Rose looks away from the sergeant as she begins to walk down the short few stairs and away from the school entrance, Miss Rose say's, to the life forces in another form. A tapping and crunching of feet is heard as Miss Rose and the sergeant slowly walk at an even pace away from the entrance of the school. The sergeant replies with curiosity and say's, Do you mean to say.. A loud tapping and scuffling of feet is heard as the children from the Maypole dance make there way to the entrance of the school towards the officer and Miss Rose.
The children are running and push pass the middle of the sergeant and Miss Rose in a single file sequence, Howie continues, You teach the children this stuff?, The children shout out loudly with excitement as they quickly go by.
Miss Rose raises her right hand and turns her body to a slight angle to allow the children through, Miss rose touches the left shoulder of the second boy passed her and then reaches out again as another boy wearing a red jumper comes into view, Miss Rose places her right hand onto the boys left shoulder as he also passes through the small gap.
The young boys are a little rowdy as they push through, The pressure of the boys causes the sergeant to turn his body at an angle also as the boys nearly pull the sergeants police hat from his hands as they bustle through, The boys scream and shout with excitement.
Miss Rose places her hand onto another boys shoulder as he passes through, Miss Rose replies as she continues to raise her hand to allow the boys to pass, Yes, I told you,
Miss Rose places her hand onto another boys shoulder as he passes through, Miss Rose replies as she continues to raise her hand to allow the boys to pass, Yes, I told you, Miss Rose speaks much louder as she say's, "it is what we believe".
The sergeant has lifted his hat up high with his right hand as he does not want it to be damaged by the boys passing through, The sergeant lowers his hat as the last of the boys pass, The school master follows behind the boys and will now teach the boys some facts and information on there pagan beliefs and customs.
All is quiet again as the boys disappear into the school, The sergeant raises his left hand as he say's, They never learn anything of Christianity? The sergeant turns and looks at Miss Rose as she say's, Only as a comparative, Miss Rose looks at the sergeant and say's, religion, The sergeant plays with the side of his hat with his left hand as Miss Rose explains her strong beliefs, Miss Rose looks back away as she say's, The children find it far easier to picture
Sergeant Howie instantly stops walking and turns to face Miss Rose, Miss Rose say's, reincarnation than resurrection. Miss Rose looks down as she say's, Those rotting bodies are a great stumbling block. Miss Rose looks back at the sergeant and say's, For the childish imagination. Sergeant Howie nods positively slightly as he ponders on Miss Roses words, The sergeant looks slightly away from Miss Rose as he suddenly nods his head positively in a quick motion then back again and say's, "Why of course".
Reincarnation is the philosophical or religious concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death. It is also called rebirth or transmigration, and is a part of the Saṃsāra doctrine of cyclic existence.
Resurrection is the concept of coming back to life after death. In a number of ancient religions, a dying-and-rising god is a deity which dies and resurrects. The resurrection of the dead is a standard eschatological belief in the Abrahamic religions.
Sergeant Howie say's with further inclination, And may I ask, Where is the rotting body of Rowan Morrison? Miss Rose looks down slightly as she say's, Right where, Miss Rose looks back up and say's, you'd expect it to be, Miss Rose nods positively and say's, In the earth.
Sergeant Howie hesitates as he ponders on the teachers words, Birds are chirping but all is silent, Howie say's, You mean, The sergeant steers his head right to express the direction of the church yard and say's, "In the church yard?
Miss Rose is looking down as she takes a short but deep breath of air and say's as she nods her head positively, In a manner of speaking...
The sergeant has become slightly angry and frustrated with Miss Roses verbal but passionate words, He say's, No! In plain speaking.
Miss Rose looks away at a slight angle as she considers her words carefully, Miss Rose say's, The building attached to the ground, Miss Rose looks back at the sergeant and say's, in which the body lies is no longer used for Christian worship., Miss Rose looks back down again as she takes another deep breath and say's, "so whether it is still a" Miss Rose quickly looks back at the sergeant and say's, churchyard is debatable.
Sergeant Howie nods positively slightly as he looks at the teacher.
Miss Rose takes another breath and huffs slightly at the silent sergeant, Miss Rose say's, But forgive me, I must get back to my girls.
Miss Rose turns and slowly walks away from the silent sergeant, Miss Rose say's as she walks away, "Good Morning to you".
Miss Roses feet produce a light crunching sound as she slowly increases her distance from the sergeant, The sergeant is silent and in thought as he watches the teacher make her way back to the school entrance. Birds are heard softly chirping.
The sergeant looks down as he nods his head negatively of his experience with Miss Rose and the teenage girls, The sergeant is in disbelief at what he has found out but has made a decision that he will continue his investigations.
The sergeant suddenly turns on the spot and looks towards the metal gates of the local churchyard, The sergeants next move will be to investigate the grave yard as he may find Rowans burial plot, And if he does he may get to the bottom of this tricky and disturbing investigation.
The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り, "Festival of the Steel Phallus") is held each spring at the Kanayama Shrine (金山神社 Kanayama-jinja) in Kawasaki, Japan. The exact dates vary: the main festivities fall on the first Sunday in April. The phallus, as the central theme of the event, is reflected in illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decorations, and a mikoshi parade. The Kanamara Matsuri is centered on a local penis-venerating shrine. The legend being that a jealous sharp-toothed demon hid inside the vagina of a young woman the demon fell in love with and bit off penises of two young men on their wedding nights. After that the woman sought help from a blacksmith, who fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth, which led to the enshrinement of the item. This legend in Ainu language was published as "The Island of Women" by Basil Hall Chamberlain.
The Kanayama Shrine was popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection from sexually transmitted infections.It is also said the shrine offers divine protections for business prosperity, and for the clan's prosperity; and for easy delivery, marriage, and married-couple harmony. The festival started in 1969. Today, the festival has become something of a tourist attraction and is used to raise money for HIV research. Tyrnavos is a city in Greece that holds an annual Phallus festival also.
The event sells all kinds of unique gifts, and almost all of them are penis-, vagina- or fertility-themed in general. There are penis-shaped candles, masks, sex toys, decorative penis ornaments, gag gifts, and more. One of the hottest sellers is the penis- or vagina-shaped lollipops. There are also plenty of activities planned to keep attendees entertained. Visitors can try and carve a penis out of daikon radishes, take photos while riding a giant wooden penis or sample ‘semen sake’ – you eat a piece of salty fish before drinking sake, which together is thought to mimic the taste of semen.
Photo Below-Chronicle Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of Fertility) of Polizon.
The atmosphere at the Kanamara Festival is warm, welcoming and inclusive to all sexualities and orientations. It may be for this reason that it’s become popular with the LGBTQ community in Japan. In fact, the enormous pink phallus toted as a mikoshi during the celebration was donated by Elizabeth Kaikan, a drag queen club in Tokyo. Nicknamed ‘Elizabeth,’ the statue is carried by transgender and cross-dressing festival participants.
The Phallus Festival is fun for people of all ages. Many parents don’t think twice about bringing their kids along, letting them pose with a man dressed in a giant penis costume or purchasing a penis pop for the walk home. The openness of the fun, festivities, and atmosphere are enjoyable without being crude or distasteful.
Bourani Festival, Greece
Another glorious phallic celebration, the annual Bourani Festival is held in Tyrnavos Village, Greece. The event symbolizes the reproduction and fertility of mankind in honour of the ancient Greek god of ecstasy, Dionysus. It usually takes place on the first Monday of ‘Lent’, which marks the beginning of the Greek fasting period for Easter.
The first written record of the festival dates back to 1898. However, it is believed that the people of Tyrnavos have been celebrating it long before that. Unlike the Kanamara Matsuri, which is more religious, participants of the Bourani Festival are encouraged to swear and express profanities during the event.
Many churches have discriminated against the festival including the Greek Orthodox Church who does not approve of the event.
Penis-shaped bread is a common sight in the parade and it’s totally normal to see people swallowing it after dipping it in Bourani soup.
Dionysus was god of many things, including wine, fertility, lovemaking and ritual madness. The 'Phallephoria' parade sees participants dress up in masks and costumes inspired by Ancient Greece, with the addition of fake penises in many forms. Newcomers are 'knighted' with a penis during the annual Bourani festival in Tyrnavos, Greece.During the Bourani Festival, everything takes a phallic shape in Tyrnavos,There are several elements of the Buorani festival, including a phallus parade which features penis costumes, fake penises, penis masks and phallus floats. The carnival is named after a type of spinach soup, which takes centre stage during the initial part of the festival.
Festival-goers gather around huge pots of bourani, where newcomers are 'initiated' by being served the soup using a phallic-shaped ladle.
After this, the festivities start, and others can also drink the soup as the crowd dances and begin singing songs with obscene themes and words. While the festival is held in honour of Ancient Greek god Dionysus - it marks the start of Greek Orthodox Lent. The carnival is celebrated during about a month, but the festivities culminate on the last Sunday of carnival with the big Parade of chariots, with the participation of thousands of people. The use of sexual and love symbols are combined with the traditional folk manifestations. Strictly speaking, the “bourani” is a folk fare but in essence, it is a phallus festival that symbolizes the reproduction and fertility. First, the inhabitants of the town go to the country church of Prophet Elijah in a free wide area, in the north of the town. Each group spread a table with various dishes on the ground and a big flagon of wine or “ouzo” or “tsipouro” with water.
At the same time, they lite a fire on which they prepared the “Bourani”, a spinach soup. After the “Bourani” had been served to the “initiates”, people started dancing, singing, joking and teasing each other using obscene language. Everyone who passes by must stop and stir the soup with a long wooden ladle of a particular shape, take a sip of soup straight from the ladle and then drink a shot of tsipouro from a ceramic phallic-shaped tumbler. Next to the cauldron, there is rocking throne in the shape of a phallus, which attracts flocks of laughing festival goers. A lot of men that participated in this ritual held phalluses as scepters in their hands. The phalluses were made of wood or clay or even of bread and constituted the most important ceremonial symbol. In the late seventies, women started taking an active part in the entire ritual especially after the creation of the “Bourani Society” in 1979.