 The movements of the people show that their behaviour is inappropriate or a caricature of rustic buffoonery , but its representation of fertility and reproduction is presented in a joyful manner . Indeed , the painting reflects a degree of ambiguity in that it can both be seen as an attack on the stereotypical oversexed behaviour of the lower orders as well as evoking a comical picture . In the sixteenth century , when this was painted , dance was subject to a strict code and regarded by the authorities and church as a social evil . People could not swing their arms or legs or laugh too loud , as that would be considered a type of rudeness to many people . The painting therefore " expresses the peasants ' liberation from the stricter limits of upper classes " by failing to adhere to the expected social standards of the times . 
