With Spring here at long last, it was time for our Waldorf School’s annual May Faire. Year after year, rain or shine, the community puts a lot of work and a lot of love into creating a festival in honor of the season. This year, in spite of a little early morning rain, we all gathered around the May Pole and shared in beautiful music, dancing, homemade food, art and games. The day was a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, sounds, flavors and aromas.
I was there with my Mountain Hearth Handcrafts booth selling art, and with the way things worked out with the weather and some re-arranging, I ended up looking right out at the May Pole. Just as I was finishing setting up, the bagpiper came down along the path through the playground, leading smiling children and parents in a May procession to finally circle around.
The fourth grade class came out in their flower garlands and each took their colorful ribbon at the base of the pole.
A duo of parent musicians started up an ancient May Pole song, and the intricate circle dance began.
Ribbons wove in and out, creating some amazing temporary art at the top of the pole, with the shining faces of our school community standing all around and the school building as a backdrop. I couldn’t help but think that those ribbons were so much like our lives, all separate strands woven together to create something beautiful and cohesive. Even though I go there every day, sometimes more than once, seeing so many friends and appreciating the community, seeing everyone gathered around the May Pole this morning was particularly moving. I was grateful to be a part of it.
The children danced and skipped around and around, weaving in and out of one another’s path.
As quickly as the ribbons were wound, the dance reversed and they were unwound. Then it was time for the festivities to begin.
I spent the day in my booth, with many smiling faces coming by to chat and purchase my handcrafted goods.
I think I was even visited by a Spring Sprite or two.
While my son spent the afternoon at the bubble booth and winning fun prizes like rocks, shells, crystals, charms and little gnomes; my daughter and her best friend headed over to the Queen’s Boudoir to get their hair done up with ribbons and flowers by the beloved gardening teacher, Tracie Jo.
There were Spring beauties everywhere you looked!
At the end of the day, the May Faire was packed up and vanished, like a gathering of faeries disappearing into the wood. I packed up my booth, gathered up my flower garlands and headed home to a warm crock pot supper. As I went to sleep exhausted, as I’m sure many other folks from our school did, the day stayed with me, and I remembered all the things I love about our community, why I’ve gone through so many struggles to see that my children go there, how lucky we are to be a part of it, and how it is all worth it. As we weave our ribbons in and out, around and through, it’s good to stand back every now and then to gain a greater perspective and appreciation for what is being created, and a reminder that our daily endeavors are being woven into something beautiful.
Beautiful!
You are right it is special to be part of a community like that.
When I was younger I remember May pole dancing. It was such fun. Your photos brought the memories flooding back.
Your booth looks enticing and beautiful as is your artwork.
Thanks Trish! I'm glad my children will have May Pole memories as well!
Funny- I was just about to write you on facebook and ask how the faire went. Then I saw this post. Your booth looked awesome. I want to see it in person sometime.
Thanks for sharing the experience, it looks like fun!
Thanks Taryn. Your booth definitely inspired some re-arranging in mine, and re-purposing of items out in the garage (check out the wooden blinds on the sides!)