Thursday, May 1, 2008

Bringing in the May

Do you “bring in the May”? We do at our house.


Source: Chambers’ Book of Days

“May Day is one of the corner days which fall between the solar festivals of the year (the equinoxes and solstices). The ancient Celts called this holiday Beltane and began celebrating at sunset on April 30th. It marked the beginning of summer, time to move with the flocks up to the summer pastures.” (School of the Seasons)



Each year, I drive across town at daybreak on May 1 to leave flowers on my sister Connie’s front door and then drive away.



I made this little May Pole centerpiece a couple of years ago for our table and bring it out each year now as part of our celebration. It is assembled from a wood dowel and base bought at Michael’s, painting it, and then decorated with ribbons and a small floral wreath.


Source: Winding the Maypole

We have a real May Pole we made for our backyard a few years back. Tucson is experiencing some strong winds right now, so I’m not sure we’ll set it up today for the neighborhood children as it may not be safe. Here’s a video of an actual May Pole celebration.




Have a very happy and joyous May Day!
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13 comments:

  1. Mrs.KwittyMay 1, 2008 at 8:17 AM

    Happy May Day JunieMoon! I think I'm gonna have to tell the hubby that we are moving to Tucson--I want to be your neighbor.

    Big hugs, Karen

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  2. a pink-beeMay 1, 2008 at 9:19 AM

    Happy May Day to you Junie :) I leave flowers too as surprises :) It is always fun :) Will run to the garden center today and buy the garden a May day flower gift too :)
    crystal :)

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  3. AnonymousMay 1, 2008 at 11:44 AM

    Wait - I was going do this - is it really May 1st? LOL. How wonderful that you celebrate so well!

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  4. ThimbleannaMay 1, 2008 at 11:58 AM

    How Fun! I remember doing the ribbons on a maypole one year when I was very young -- so young I don't remember where we lived then. Thanks for linking to that awesome video!

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  5. (Angie) Norththreads:May 1, 2008 at 1:16 PM

    Happy May to you! Did you ladies get the flat stanley thing figured out, or do you need me to help?
    ang

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  6. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 1, 2008 at 2:21 PM

    HAPPY MAY DAY June! I wish I could leave a bouquet of flowers on your doorstep today --- please accept a "virtual" one!

    @-->-->

    Love, Pat

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  7. Rosie's WhimsyMay 1, 2008 at 3:12 PM

    Happy May Day! What a wonderful thing to wish. You know that from here on out the weather is great and a summer of outside living is ahead! :-) Rosie

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  8. dottycookieMay 1, 2008 at 3:14 PM

    May Morning is a big celebration in Oxford, where I was a student. At 6am the choir of Magdalen College Chapel start to sing from the roof of Magdalen Tower to the crowds who have gathered in the street below, and who then disperse to party in the town, watch Morris Dancers and so on. Most years swe stayed up all night on April 30th and walked half an hour across town at dawn to reach the tower in time. We were pretty rubbish in lectures on May 1!

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  9. AnonymousMay 1, 2008 at 3:24 PM

    Oh you brought back so many memories. Every May Day in Elementary school we would do the Maypole dance. Thanks!
    Hugs!!!

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  10. LenaMay 1, 2008 at 3:36 PM

    I love your May Day centerpiece June.

    A very Merry May Day to you!

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  11. AnonymousMay 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM

    Happy May Day, what a lovely idea. We have never celebrated May Day here, I suppose beacuse we are going into winter. It would be fun to so.

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  12. AnonymousMay 2, 2008 at 10:12 PM

    Oh June, I love what you do for your sister each May Day. How incredibly wonderful!

    Diane

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  13. leslieMay 3, 2008 at 6:36 AM

    Thanks for sharing this! I've always hear about maypoles but have never know how they work! Those kids looked like that were having so much fun. What a great thing to participate in!

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