Sunday, May 1, 2016

May ~ 2016





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


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.


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