In the city of Perugia and its environs, the end of the winter and the consequent coming of the spring was greeted with a typical ceremonial representation of the peasant society of central Italy, known as Sega la Vecchia (Saw the old). It was based on sawing in two parts an old shrub which represented the “old things” as symbol of the just concluded season, of what was just past and finished in order to gain favour with the coming season. The event happened in the right middle of the Lent. The Easter was another marking moment for the season, crucial time for the life of believers and lays. “Piantare il Maggio” (“To plant May”) was one of the shows of a particular social importance, during which men of every village, singing and dancing were used to cut the tallest poplar tree and planted it, pausing nearby for eating and drinking. Even this tradition has its roots in the rural culture calling pagan rites of fertility and abundance.

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