No. 26 Here We Come Gathering Nuts of May
Two opposite rows of girls. One side advances and sings, the other side replying:
“Here we come gathering nuts of May, [thrice]
On a May morning early.”
“Whom will you gather for nuts of May,
On a May morning early?”
“We’ll gather [naming a girl] for nuts of May,
On a May morning early.”
“Whom will you send to fetch her away,
On a May morning early?”
“We’ll send [naming a strong girl] to pull her away,
On a May morning early.”
The game is continued until all players are brought to one side.
Charlestown, W. Va.
This game is probably a recent importation from England, where it is very well known. It seems likely that the imitative dance really belongs to the season of nut-gathering,78 and that the phrase, “Nuts of May,” and the refrain, have crept in from its later use as a May-game.