May is a great time of the year: spring is in full swing, summer is on its way and there’s a glorious bank holiday on the first Monday of the month. So what’s the best way to have yourself a traditional May Day celebration?
Erect a maypole!
If you’ve got a long stick and at least eight ribbons you’re pretty much set. All you need is eight people to wind the ribbons in opposite directions. This is a great one for children’s parties and for kids in general although there’s no reason adults can’t take part too. Especially since the sight of adults dancing is bound to induce uncontrollable embarrassment in teenagers and that as we all know is one of life’s great ambitions to achieve.
Take up Morris dancing!
It’s probably one of the most ridiculed dances in the country but there’s no denying that it is fun. What’s not to love about strapping bells on your feet and smacking sticks or waving handkerchiefs with the person opposite you? Who can resist the majestic sound of an accordion? This one is particularly good with the addition of wine or beer and is actually a tradition dating all the way back to the sixteenth century. So make like Henry VIII and get dancing!
Crown a May Queen!
This is potentially the most dangerous of all the activities due to the possibility of someone’s head growing significantly larger over the course of a day. The May Queen is supposed to be the living embodiment of springtime, usually wears a white dress and has a crown. She starts the dancing and takes part in a parade. If you’re doing it in your garden it might be a short parade but it sure does make a girl feel special.
