A Merry May Faire

This past weekend, our Waldorf School held the annual May Faire on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Everyone gathered around the maypole in the lower field, creating a bustling circle of community fun. With Spring in full swing, it seemed as though everyone was emerging from social hibernation and coming out of the woodwork to co-create this beautiful, ancient festival together.

This year, my childrens’ class were the maypole dancers, so it was an especially exciting occasion for us. Wearing white and adorned in flower crowns they made that morning, they all wove their ribbons in and out around the maypole in traditional dances.

Musicians played, dancers danced, and ribbons wove all together.

At one point, my twin children were dancing together in a pair.

I loved seeing their big smiles and knowing they were having such fun.

Watching the woven patterns atop the pole come together and come apart as the dancers weave in and out and around one another always amazes me. It’s not always perfect, but I think quite fitting in its reflection of the intricacies of a community.

I was there for the day in my Mountain Hearth Handcrafts booth, watching the bustle and merry making go on all around. I truly enjoy dispersing my artistic creations for other folks to enjoy. I know that feeling well of taking home a beloved piece of art or handwork.

I was visited by many smiling, wonderful folks, friends, and even a troupe of May Faeries!

I have to say, I am happy that May has finally arrived. It’s been a long Winter, with all its own challenges and cold, drizzly days tempered by cozy nights by the woodstove. So right now, seeing all the trees and flowers blooming, the honeybees buzzing, and the gentle Spring sun shining, I am feeling a great renewal of joyful growth. So, without further ado, here we go again, dancing around the circle of the year.