Though I like the supernatural interpretation, I feel like the true meaning may be somewhat more earthly. I think the song is about taking a lover for the first time and hoping he doesn't stray to another.
The end of a snowy morning is the end of the purity of virginity.
The maypole itself is a huge phallic symbol, being thrust into the fertile womb of mother earth. The pilgriming vine is the new life resulting from their mating. I think the fear in the song is more the uncertainty a young girl would have at this stage of life, crossing over from childhood into the unknown territory of adulthood, sexuality and motherhood.
One thought I had about the rubies and silver: the fancy, ribbon-bedecked maypoles most people probably picture are a fairly modern creation. Originally they were practically bare but were also sometimes painted in vivid red and white stripes to represent menstrual blood and semen.
Though I like the supernatural interpretation, I feel like the true meaning may be somewhat more earthly. I think the song is about taking a lover for the first time and hoping he doesn't stray to another.
The end of a snowy morning is the end of the purity of virginity.
The maypole itself is a huge phallic symbol, being thrust into the fertile womb of mother earth. The pilgriming vine is the new life resulting from their mating. I think the fear in the song is more the uncertainty a young girl would have at this stage of life, crossing over from childhood into the unknown territory of adulthood, sexuality and motherhood.
One thought I had about the rubies and silver: the fancy, ribbon-bedecked maypoles most people probably picture are a fairly modern creation. Originally they were practically bare but were also sometimes painted in vivid red and white stripes to represent menstrual blood and semen.