Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May Pole Dance memory...

Happy May 1st!

When I was in 3rd grade,
in about 1961,
in a very small town in south Texas,
I was chosen from my class,
 along with other children from other classes,
to be in the celebration for May Day.
We were to do the May Pole dance.
I was soooo excited!

Here is a photo I found on
to give you an idea of how it looked.

I thought the colorful ribbons were beautiful
 and I loved dancing.
My mama made my costume,
although I don't remember just what it looked like....
I do know it was blue
and made from old dresses and lace.
I had long brown hair,
usually worn in braids,
but this day I wore it down.
My hair reached all the way to my knees!
(I didn't cut my hair till I was ten years old)
I remember I felt so special and beautiful.

Like the article states...
 Hewn tree trunks were erected in town centers
and adorned with garland and wreaths,
around which revelers methodically
 weaved a colorful shroud of ribbons
 through dance.
I do remember that it was so much fun!

I'm not sure if that little town still celebrates
May day like that anymore.
I should find out.
That would be interesting to know.
I would love to see a
May Pole dance again.


Savor the Day!
Yvonne

9 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The May Pole's pagan significance wasn't well known in the 1960s. I suspect not too many Texas towns would still host that old celebration today. But then again, what do I know?

Unknown said...

that is something I always wanted to see and/or do! when we were children, we used to make construction paper cones that hung from ribbon. Then we'd fill the cones with flowers (dandelions even) and hang them by the ribbon from people's doorknobs, then ring the bell and hide.

Yvonne said...

Yes, Debra, I'm sure that's the case. I imagine they don't do it anymore in many, if any place because of that reason. People don't realize how many of our customs originated from pagans.

Yvonne said...

We did the same thing sometime Kim, but we lived in the country, so I just remember doing it when I was at my friends homes.

Barbara said...

The memory of feeling special does stay with us. So glad to share in your memory. :)

MorningAJ said...

What a wonderful memory to have. I never took part in a maypole dance though I have seen many.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I remember our small Kansas town had a May Day parade every year. When I was quite young, my grandparents took me to one where I got to see my one and only May Pole. I was impressed by the ribbons. I don't think I ever saw a May Pole dance again. Lucky you, that you got to actually participate in one of these May Pole dances and May Day events.

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

I feel cheated...I never had the May Pole experience...but we did make a crown of flowers for the statue of Mary in the school's garden. Sweet memories! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Tammie Lee said...

such a lovely memory and experience

sorry it took me a few days to drop by and see your May Day celebration post.

thank you for sharing and lovely May and beyond to you ~