COVE

First appearing in 1770 in English May Day celebrations Jack in the Green is an evolution of the previous tradition of women carrying milk pails decorated by flowers. These milk jugs eventually became decorated pyramids worn on the head and from there became men in conical costumes.

The Jack in the Green tradition died out in the early 20th century because it was too bawdy and anarchic before being readopted in many places that celebrate May Day.