I believe that our ancient and innermost will desires metamorphoses, kaleidoscopic transformations of ever-shifting beauty. Such, I found today.
As a child in England, the end of May in our village was celebrated with a yearly ritual; an old-fashioned fete which involved simple delights such as old-fashioned games, picnic fare, music and a May Pole Dance. The high point of the event was always the May Pole Dance.
I remember it as a shining moment of ease and freedom as children danced, and then slowly, tentatively, the adults joined them. The ribbon bedecked pole became a symbol of shared communal joy.
There is always a continued need for rites of renewal, ceremonies of innocence and awareness, for celebrations of the spirit. I think we owe it to our children and grandchildren to create a space around them that recognises this truth.
"It was a shining moment of ease and freedom.." What a wonderful way to start life in your new community.
ReplyDeleteAs I think I have already said - you left none of your wisdom behind when you moved did you. No question mark : it is a statement, not a question.
ReplyDeleteI remember the delightful May Pole Dance from my early elementary years. Sadly, for the most part it, like so many traditions in America have slipped by the wayside. We humans do crave ceremonies and rituals. I'm glad to see the lovely May Pole is still alive and well in your neck of the woods!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you have landed in the right place. I know they are lucky to have you and Gem. Enjoy the kaleidoscopic transformations!
ReplyDeleteWe have some friends who do the Maypole from time to time--last time I saw it was at the wedding of own of their daughters. Eberle & I had the pleasure of playing music for the May Dance! But hey, send a little of that sunshine & nice spring weather Idaho-way--it's still like April around here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a sweet May pole blog post. We did May pole in English primary school (1960) and now, the Wardolf/Steiner school children here in the Santa Cruz Mountains do a phenomenal job each May 1st of keeping this tradition alive {live music, real flowers, boys and girls}
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