Maypoles and May Baskets

Here we are in the beauty of spring. With all the snow and rain of the winter it is really green around here and soooo very pretty!

I am thinking about May Day and Cinco de Mayo. I think I will save Cinco de Mayo for next week,and talk a little about May Day.


For a complete and informative history of May Day go to http://www.theholidayspot.com/


There are many stories that surround this celebration of spring: one of them the Maypole.


Ceremonial dances around the Maypole have several translations, one being the pagan symbol of fertility, and prosperity to the land and it's people.


Now to the best part---Ribbons of many colors were entwined around the maypole by fair young maidens dancing in a much choreographed manor. Each village seemed to have their own dance that resulted in a specific weave for each village.


It was believed if the ribbons were beautifully woven, without breaking, the village would have a good year of prosperity, and good fortune.


If you would like to try your hand at a maypole, a length of PVC pipe would be a good start. If there is no possibility of driving it into the ground, an old Christmas tree stand camoflauged with grass or fabric could be an alternative. Another thought would be to cement or plaster the pole into a bucket or large flower pot.
depending on the beauty of the bucket or flower pot you may want to camoflague it.Flowers or green plants may be placed in the top of the bucket, if enough space has been left.


I would attach at least four colors of ribbon purchased from http://www.overthemoonribbons.com/ , at the top of the pole, by taping or gluing. The length would depend upon the height of the pole. To finish off the top you could use a Styrofoam ball or a decorative finial from the drapery department. Another thought would be a big beautiful bow.


I would suggest the ribbon be 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide for this project.


This could also be a fun way to decorate your patio umbrellas, the umbrella pole now serves as your maypole. The ribbons could lead to each persons plate, or a favor could be attached to each ribbon.


If all this is too ambitious for you, make a may basket and give it to a neighbor, shut-in or a friend. A little inexpensive basket can be filled with treats, or flowers, pretty ribbons attached, then hung on the door of the recipient for a fun surprise.


I would like all of you to send me a picture of your May Day projects, I would like to post them on my website.


Next week, Cinco de Mayo, not to be missed.