Maypole Dance ~ Pease Elementary, Austin, Texas c. 1950s
Photo from Pease Elementary Archives, Used With Permission
May 1st ~ May Day
Though not at all common these days, at one time May Day was
traditionally celebrated with festive dances around a Maypole.
As a young child, I fondly remember dancing around a Maypole
during my early years in elementary school in the 1950s.
Dressed in a pretty spring dress and holding a brightly colored
ribbon, I danced with my classmates around the tall Maypole
that had been erected in the school yard. As one group moved
clockwise and the other counter clockwise, we wove the
colorful ribbons around the pole, then reversed the motion to
unfurl the ribbons back into the long streamers which we had held
at the start of the dance. Fond memories of a beautiful time!
Another early May Day tradition was
the giving of May baskets filled with flowers.
The baskets were left anonymously
at the door of special friends and neighbors.
I think this lovely custom needs to be reinstated!
Tell me if you have any special May Day traditions.
May 5th ~ Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a favorite Mexican holiday celebrated here
in Central Texas where both the Mexican culture and
the love of Mexican food are prominent.
For ideas on hosting your own
Mexican dinner party click here and here.
The Polohouse, Used With Permission
May 7th ~ The Kentucky Derby
I've never been to the Kentucky Derby,
but have long been fascinated with the tradition of this event.
I think it would be fun to host a Kentucky Derby Party.
Have you ever attended the Kentucky Derby
or hosted a Derby Party?
Visit Alison @ The Polohouse for
Derby Party inspiration here, here, and here.
Image from Home Is Where The Boat Is
To view the complet post of Mary's beautiful,
Off to the Races table click here.
May 8 ~ Mother's Day
In the US, Mother's Day is celebrated
on the second Sunday in May.
Though my sweet mom is no longer with us,
I will plan a special dessert tray in her honor, just
as I prepared for a previous Mother's Day post here.
May 30th ~ Memorial Day
Though not at all common these days, at one time May Day was
traditionally celebrated with festive dances around a Maypole.
As a young child, I fondly remember dancing around a Maypole
during my early years in elementary school in the 1950s.
Dressed in a pretty spring dress and holding a brightly colored
ribbon, I danced with my classmates around the tall Maypole
that had been erected in the school yard. As one group moved
clockwise and the other counter clockwise, we wove the
colorful ribbons around the pole, then reversed the motion to
unfurl the ribbons back into the long streamers which we had held
at the start of the dance. Fond memories of a beautiful time!
Another early May Day tradition was
the giving of May baskets filled with flowers.
The baskets were left anonymously
at the door of special friends and neighbors.
I think this lovely custom needs to be reinstated!
Tell me if you have any special May Day traditions.
May 5th ~ Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a favorite Mexican holiday celebrated here
in Central Texas where both the Mexican culture and
the love of Mexican food are prominent.
For ideas on hosting your own
Mexican dinner party click here and here.
The Polohouse, Used With Permission
May 7th ~ The Kentucky Derby
I've never been to the Kentucky Derby,
but have long been fascinated with the tradition of this event.
I think it would be fun to host a Kentucky Derby Party.
Have you ever attended the Kentucky Derby
or hosted a Derby Party?
Visit Alison @ The Polohouse for
Derby Party inspiration here, here, and here.
Image from Home Is Where The Boat Is
To view the complet post of Mary's beautiful,
Off to the Races table click here.
May 8 ~ Mother's Day
In the US, Mother's Day is celebrated
on the second Sunday in May.
Though my sweet mom is no longer with us,
I will plan a special dessert tray in her honor, just
as I prepared for a previous Mother's Day post here.
May 30th ~ Memorial Day
A time to remember and honor all those who have given
selflessly to their country. From Civil War soldiers to those fighting
today on foreign soils, we remember the men and women
who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces.
Joining
selflessly to their country. From Civil War soldiers to those fighting
today on foreign soils, we remember the men and women
who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces.
Joining
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
My daughter and I have a special Mother's Day tradition that began when she moved to San Francisco after college. Always on Saturday, the day before Mother's Day (because the flights are much much cheaper on a Saturday) I fly north and have breakfast with Kendra and I fly home later in the day for dinner with Steve. Kendra and I shop, eat lunch and enjoy a special day together. Recently she moved to Sacramento and I don't know much about her new town so she has a variety of things we need to cram into just a few hours. We both look forward to our time together.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteHard to believe it is May already and time for your monthly post about the special days in each month... Loved seeing all of these. No, I've never been to the Kentucky Derby, but I did get to tour the empty racetrack one year when I attended a teacher's conference in the area.
Judith
Wow Sarah, you have covered all of the bases. Love the inspiration of it all. I have never been to the Kentucky Derby. That would be awesome. I did think it would be great fun to have a party theme just for that. Cinco de Mayo, another favorite. It's so sweet of you to create a dessert tray in honor of your mom. Happy Sunday to you. As always, thank you for sharing your post on DI&DI.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I would love to be Off to the Races for the Kentucky Derby to see all the hats, Derby finery and run for the roses! Once again this month it seems like most of the celebrations arrive within a week of one another. I love the quaint and festive tradition of a Maypole and May Day Basket. I hope May is a beautiful blooming month in your garden. Thanks for the shot out and link to my table. ♥
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post, Sarah. I love the festivity which all these traditions conjure up, even if I've not participated in all. They each give us inspiration, along with something to reflect on. Your photos are gorgeous. My husband remembers Maypole dances from his childhood; for me, it's been part of my ballet choreography memories only. I agree that May Day gift basketry should be revived. Never been to a Ky Derby, but Mother's Day and Memorial Day have very traditionally been observed for me and mine. Happy May Day!
ReplyDeleteYouare wonderful at these types of posts..I am happy to remember the links!:)
ReplyDeleteHapp all of May to you.
I remember dancing around the May pole, too. Today's kids probably never heard of this tradition and would probably laugh at us.
ReplyDeleteHello dear Sarah. I went to an all girls school and we would do the Maypole dance every year. Cinco de Mayo really makes me homesick for Texas and its fabulous Mexican food. I've never been to the Kentucky Derby but would love to go. Hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, Sarah! For some reason, they had stopped the May Pole Dance when I was little, but my sisters both did it. We commemorated the graves of all soldiers on Memorial Day, and while I have attended Kentucky Derby parties, I have never been to the actual derby. According to a cousin, some of my ancestors/relatives raced horses and actually beat Andy Jackson's horse in a race. He was not amused. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat Cinco de Mayo spread looks great. And yes, I have been to a CdM party, but would love to go to one in Texas. I bet they are extra special there.
Hugs, my friend. This is some great inspiration.
xo
Sheila
Sarah, I loved this post too. Particularly liked your comment about leaving the baskets for special friends anonymously. I've never been to the Kentucky Derby but would love to do that one day but I have been to Derby parties. Gotta LOVE those Mint Juleps. I bet the food in Texas for Cinco de Mayo is fabulous. I love Mexican food. I can't even find a decent Mexican restaurant where I live but it's a good reason to throw a party and make it myself. When my daughter was in elementary school they would always have a May Pole. That's been many years ago and I haven't seen it done since. I lost my mother almost 25 years ago and I still miss her. I usually do a family dinner or my husband takes the whole family to the country club. Not sure what it will be this year yet but we need to start planning. This was a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
So many fun things to celebrate this month! Yes, we did the Maypole at school and my mother always had us make May Baskets. I just received one the other day with fresh plants! Brought back such great memories.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your monthly posts, Sarah, and the pretty photos that accompany them. Your Mother's Day tray is just so beautiful and a nice way to keep your mom's memory alive. Happy May Day to you! I hope you received a pretty basket!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely images of May, Sarah. It's the Queen of Months. When I was a little girl there was a May procession with all the little girls in white dresses and the boys in white shirts and ties. When we lived in Germany I was the lucky recipient of a May basket hung on the front door each May. I loved the archive photo - is there any chance that you are one of the children dancing around the May Pole?
ReplyDeleteDearest Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWell we have no Maypole tradition but in The Netherlands Liberation Day got celebrated in a big way. But the youth is not that involved (interested...) in it anymore. That is sad in many ways!
You show some very lovely photos from all events. And yes, another mother-less Mother's day is coming our way, the 2nd and it still is raw. Fond memories abound. My youngest sister got inspired by my scanning old photos and managed to scan all our childhood photos. That is bittersweet at times when you see a happy Mom but also dear memories for all of us to treasure. I'm very happy with her scanning and passing it on to the four that are very close. She did it because after Dad will pass away, the 3 toxic ones will not permit us to touch anything... Very sad but what can we do but pray for them!
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Sarah, I enjoyed this May post. So many fun activities in the month of May. Going to the Kentucky Derby will always be on my wish list but I also love going to Derby parties. We attended a fabulous one last year that our dinner group hosted. I could see you hosting one! Your Mother's Day is a wonderful way to remember your beautiful mom. We will cherish our times with our mom always.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I had not thought about it but May is a busy month! I am partial to the Ky derby. Ha! Sheila
ReplyDeleteMay is filled with wonderful events and holidays! Your post was a wonderful way to kick off the coming of summer.
ReplyDeleteMay holds lots of opportunities for celebrations doesn't it? I love the idea of a Maypole although I've never actually done it. I have considered gifting friends with May baskets which sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for all the lovely inspiration Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a nice May Day Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI remember my mother talking about dancing around the maypole, but we never did in the 50's. The May baskets are a lovely idea, but the tray in memory of your mom is especially sweet. Good job on covering May.
ReplyDeleteNothing special for me on a May day except able to get out of bed.
ReplyDeleteSarah, what a great post! I do love May and there are so many things to celebrate and your pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove this post Sarah. Everything looks so lovely. I appreciate you sharing at DI&DI. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteWe had three days of snow and sleet this weekend, so May began like a lion, Sarah. The big melt is on again and everything will green up form all the moisture. Our community senior club is having a Cinco de Mayo pot luck next week, and my husband bought a sombrero to wear for it. My daughter and daughter in law and I will all be going to brunch for Mother's Day--a yearly tradition! About mid May I'll plant my flowers--looking forward to seeing blooms in the garden again!
ReplyDeleteAnd May 4th is my birthday! (sorry, just had to throw that in there :) May is such a wonderful month for many reasons. Great info!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have you sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Hello Sarah, Your May post covers all bases and each holiday is a special celebration. We celebrate 4 May birthdays so I do love may. Lovely photos to share and I too danced around a may pole in the 50's. A wonderful era in America.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with Blue Monday and have a great week.
Hugs,
Jeanne
I love your May Day pictures! Nobody does the maypole dance anymore do they??
ReplyDeleteLots of great times going on in May. I remember a May Pole dance when I was in elementary school way back when. When the kids were little we made of May baskets for some elderly neighbors. It was treat for them and the kids. Can't wait for Memorial Day as that seems to kick off the summer for me..Happy Week..Judy
ReplyDeleteI remember the May Day and the Pole dancing.
ReplyDeleteUsed to have a big Mothers Day Brunch with friends, but two of them have passed and the rest of us are getting to old to have 50 people over for brunch. Everyone brought a dish, but it's still a lot of work.
I have been to a Derby Party at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, CA, and it was terrific. We all had big beautiful hats on. There were cocktails and yummy food. The race was on a big screen. Lots and lots of fun.
Happy Mothers Day and all your parties look wonderful.
Mary
I've never been a part of May Day but the traditions sound so sweet to me.
ReplyDeleteCinco de Mayo...I'm there!! :)
Happy, happy Thoughts of Home. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day. :)
How lovely to see your beautiful postings again, Sarah. I loved each one & remember them, too!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll drive an hour east to see my older sister & together, we will visit my Mom & Dad's graves on Sunday. My daughter is in PA at a dance competition with Ms. C. so she won't be around to celebrate till much later in the day.
Thanks for sharing your pretties!!! I'm sure your Mom is smiling down & is very proud of all that you do, so beautifully.
Sarah, I love this post! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2016/05/sunday-showcase-make-pretty-monday-6-3.html Hope to see you again at the party tonight! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteI love May. It is always a beautiful month! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your monthly round-ups, Sarah. That photo of the children dancing around the Maypole was a sight to see :) Thanks so much for linking up with Vintage Charm!
ReplyDeleteWe never did a maypole dance when I was young. I never heard of it til I was married! I went to Catholic shcool so the BIG thing was the crowning of the May Queen, who was an 8th grader. She chose her "court" from girls in the first grade. I was chosen for the court when in first grade then chosen as May Queen in 8th grade!!!! What a thrill and honor I felt! Loved tis lovely post, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteMay Day was always a special one in my family. This was the first year I haven't rung some friend's doorbell with a Tussy Mussy flower-filled cone. We've had such awful cold rainy weather, and just now are getting our blooms - just kinda came up too fast and I never got in the spirit. It was always a day to honor The Madonna at church as well, still is. She always gets crowns of roses.
ReplyDeleteWe only occasionally celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Derby is important to us (see my last post) and Mother's Day, well certainly.
Love all your pics. Hope all is well with you, dear Sarah. Hugs.
Sarah, Another lovely post from you! I have always wished to dance around the maypole and would still do it if I was given the chance! We gave May baskets when I was young, using the wildflowers behind our house for my mom and grandmother. Now I send my mom flowers on May 1. On Memorial Day, in my tiny town, we would follow the parade to a pond in the cemetery where the high school queen would float in a row boat rowed by an elderly veteran, throwing flowers out while the band played Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean. Then there was a 21 (maybe?) gun salute, and we would scramble on the banks for the empty shells. Two traditions to start and end the month of May. Linda
ReplyDelete