May Day Eve ~ Spring Festival of Fertility

~ May in the Green Wode, 15h Century ~

"In somer when the shawes be sheyne,
And leves be large and long,
Hit is full merry in feyre foreste
To here the foulys song.

To see the dere draw to the dale
And leve the hilles hee,
And shadow him in the leves grene
Under the green-wode tree.

Hit befell on Whitsontide
Early in a May mornyng,
The Sonne up faire can shyne,
And the briddis mery can syng."

Anonymous

Celebrating holidays with roots in the past is a joy for me and feeds my spirit.


A common medieval practice was to "go a-maying" or "bringing in the may". Gathering flowers and greenery from surrounding forest and fields and decorating hearth and home in celebration of spring.  The winter journey has ended and spring is a time of rebirth and renewal.


May Day and the Maypole dance is a happy time looking forward to good things.  The maypoles were originally wood and a birch tree was most often chosen.  Some preferred to use a fresh tree each year while others used the same tree and it remained standing until May returned.  Each pole is decorated with colored ribbons, feathers, greenery, flowers and other items significant to each place.  Dancing around the maypole and weaving the ribbons of color was said to bring a good harvest.  Some believe dancing creates energy which is drawn into the earth and gives back a good harvest.


It is fun to have a special meal featuring fresh vegetables and fresh fruits.  Bake cakes, bread or biscuits using fresh berries, nuts and fruits.


I imagine myself connecting with my ancestors in celebration of Spring's promised bounty.   A time to be happy and have a little party.