The maypole being raised with the help of ladder parties

The maypole in the process of being raised. The ceremony is carried out with long tried methods and without the help of modern materials-handling equipment. At this stage of the raising the brunt of the work is carried out by ladder parties. Note the ropes attached to the pole. There are four ropes in total. When the pole is upright the rope parties hold it steady until the earth is rammed firmly into the hole and the pole can be safely left.