Earth-centered cultures around the world have worshipped a phallic rod or pillar as symbol of male power to bring the seed of new life to the earth. Hindu worshippers called it a "lingam," Egyptians called it an obelisk. According to 2 Kings 17:9-10, God’s people "set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images on every high hill…." In the old Celtic fertility rituals called Beltane or May Day (Walpurgisnacht to the Teutons) -- which is now being revived and adapted for modern times by contemporary pagans -- the May pole symbolized male power and fertility.