The Encyclopædia Britannica explains: “Originally such rites were intended to ensure fertility to the crops, and by extension to cattle and human beings, but in most cases this significance was gradually lost, and the practices survived merely as popular festivities. ”
„ Encyclopædia Britannica ” selgitab: „Algselt oli selliste riituste eesmärgiks kindlustada hea viljasaak ning ka kariloomade ja inimeste viljakus, ent üldiselt jäi see tähendus tasapisi tagaplaanile, nii et neist riitustest said pelgalt populaarsed peokombed. ”