I'm pretty sure this song might be about the pagan holiday Beltane.
The first verse contains a hint in this direction. Ash, oak, birch, and yew are four types of trees that were considered holy by Druids and are still venerated by some neo-pagan groups.
The tradition of mumming is apparently associated with the holiday May Day in some regions. May Day is basically the same thing as the neo-pagan Beltane.
At any rate, some neo-pagan groups definitely incorporate mummers in their modern Beltane celebrations.
I'm pretty sure this song might be about the pagan holiday Beltane.
The first verse contains a hint in this direction. Ash, oak, birch, and yew are four types of trees that were considered holy by Druids and are still venerated by some neo-pagan groups.
The tradition of mumming is apparently associated with the holiday May Day in some regions. May Day is basically the same thing as the neo-pagan Beltane.
At any rate, some neo-pagan groups definitely incorporate mummers in their modern Beltane celebrations.
A dear friend just sent me this song. It is beautiful and now has more meaning.
A dear friend just sent me this song. It is beautiful and now has more meaning.