Act of Dec. 31, 1655, N.Y. LAWS (Weed, Parsons & Co.,1868) (Law Passed 1655).

"ORDINANCE
Of the Director General and Council of New Netherland to prevent Firing of Guns, Planting May poles and other Irregularities within this Province. Passed 31 December, 1655.
[N. Y. Col. MSS. VI. 207; XVI. 62.]…

    …Whereas experience hath demonstrated and taught that, besides an unnecessary waste of powder, much Drunkenness and other insolence prevail on New Years and May days, by firing of Guns, planting May poles and carousing; also other deplorable accidents such as wounding, which frequently arise therefrom. In order to prevent these in future, the Director General and Council expressly forbid from this time forth all firing of Guns, or planting of May poles within this Province of New Netherland, on New Years or May days; also the making of any noise by beating of Drums, or the retailing of Wine, Brandy or Beer on these occasions, and this only to prevent more accidents and mischief, on a penalty of 12 guilders for the first offense; double for the second offense, and for the third an arbitrary correction…”