Happy May Day!

For thus it chanced one morn when all the court,
Green-suited, but with plumes that mocked the may,
Had been, their wont, a-maying and returned,
That Modred still in green, all ear and eye,
Climbed to the high top of the garden-wall
To spy some secret scandal if he might.

May Day, the first of May, is an ancient holiday that holds close to its pagan roots, an occasion for dancing and revelry honoring the return of spring and all its vital energy. Though Christianity nearly obliterated the ancient traditions of Northern Europe, you might be familiar with one of the ancient May Day traditions – the Maypole. That’s right, dancing around the central pole with ribbons, weaving in and out to the music.

In the 20’s Hanover College here in Indiana held an annual May Day festival that included not only the Maypole but the crowning of a May Queen.  The practice continued at least through 1949 as evidenced by the image I found in the Indiana Historical Society digital image library. Not sure what happened after that, I didn’t find any information on the web but I’ll admit I didn’t do a very exhaustive search.

Here's hoping you have a great spring, happy May Day!