Crowned on May eve the Queen of Midsummer was honored through most of the European continent by song, dance, processions, ritual and fun. Ancient folk plays told the story of the age old struggle between summer and winter for possesion of the Maiden of Spring, she who wouldbe the Queen of Summer. Her consort, the Green Man, Jack-in the-Green, or John Barleycorn led the way in the festivities dancing on the village greens.