Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?

Subject: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:34 AM

Just thoguht we might enjoy and need some sunshine today, what with the concerns etc. about 'Spaw. Rick Fielding and I talked about this last Monday, on his show (see the thread about his radio show for more info). Anyway, I am reminded this is a day for joyfull celebration that the earth is now ready for seed planting and we can look forward with anticipation to a good harvest.

It is a good day to bring about positive chnages in your life, by symbolically leaving behind, in the flames of the fire (if you go in for that!), any concerns, negativitys, etc. Couples who want to renew their relationships find this a good time for symbolic gestures of change.

When I am with a group, we usually have a maypole dance. Last year it was around a stalwart young tree, only about 12 feet tall, with mostly bare branches, as in Wyoming the tulips are just now bloomin' and we still could get snow anytime. We had an altar, made from a table, with fresh flowers, fruit juice, bread, and symbols of the Earth Mother on it. We each took turns "leaping" over a very small fire, shouting out that which we wished to leave behind and release from our lives. After the dancing and weaving of the ribbons, the tree looked so bright and lovely, with the wind teasing the "tendrils" of its "ribbonhair". We then joined hands and sang some songs for the Earth.

This year, today will be quieter, people are scattered and busy. But, I shall find time to brush my hands a'top the tender shoots of wild mountain mint in my garden and smell the freshly turned earth, to listen to the bright and thrilling trills of the meadowlarks with their brilliant yellow chests, and give thanks for all that we have, all that we give, and all that we receive. I will give an especial thanks for all of you, the Mudcat and its creators and, our dear Catspaw.

How will you be spending your MayDay?

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:27 PM

Ah, kat, once again you beat me to it! I wish everyone here a joyful May with good fortune for a year and a day. I've just come back from greeting the May with two morris teams and a rapper team, and we danced in the dawn, on a beautiful NH hilltop, then bemused the residents of my fair city with various displays of our skill. Now I'm going to get really brave and try to do the blue clicky thing so you can see my team, the Harrisville Morris Women- I'm at the end of the first film clip, backing up into the left corner. Click here
Did it work?

Nope. try: <a href=http://www.apriori.net/~paz/harn99.html>Click here</a>
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:30 PM

DARN!!! I'll try that again:
Try this

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:32 PM

DARN AGAIN!!! Here: http://www.apriori.net/~paz/harn99.html

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 99 - 03:49 PM

try this

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: LEJ
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:02 PM

Well, this May Day is shaping up to be a particularly busy one for me. I am typing this during a brief respite in the activities. At dawn this morning, the folks in my town gathered in front of Old Stone Church for the traditional running of the gauntlet by "Old Jack Frost." This ritual has come to symbolize the chasing away of winter by the forces of Spring. This year, clad in goat's horns and a white robe, old Roger Doherty from the Ace Hardware portrayed Jack Frost. The rest of us, dressed in green slacks and sweaters, formed a double-line up the main street of town, calling out " Frosty Jack! Frosty Jack! Your reign is over, the Spring is back!" At this summons, Jack emerges from a small hut and calls out "Leave me be! I mean no harm!" and runs at top speed down the gauntlet. Unfortunately, top speed for Roger is none too fast, due to a gamey knee. Laughing and shouting, the Forces of Renwal pelt Jack Frost with snowballs, sticks and basically, anything that may be lying near at hand. At the end of the gauntlet, we call out " Jack, Jack begone begone, come not again til Autumn come!" Then the paramedics usually take Jack to the Emergency room.

Afterwards there is a potluck at the church, and then everyone prepares for the other great May Day tradition in my town, the Workers Unite! Parade. Since most of us here in Conifer are avid Communists, this is quite a popular event. There will be marching bands from local area schools, a demonstration by the Young Socialist Pioneers drill team, and a review of the many area paramilitary organizations by Commissar Lumpkins. The theme this year is a tropical one, "Leon Trotsky in Mexico", and I and a group of local business owners are putting the finishing touches on our entry, entitled "What if?" It portrays Trotsky and Sammy Hagar meeting for tequila shooters at the Carlos and Charlie's in Cabo San Lucas.

With that, I wish all of you a hearty "Power to the People!", and hope that you enjoy your May celebration whatever it may be!

LEJ

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:13 PM

Hey, An-Ma,that's really net! I'll bet I saw you guys dance in Amherst, one time. I love the colours and sounds of Morris dancing.

Phoaks, if you click on the red thingy, look around. The slide show wasn't loading each picture for me fully before going on the next, but there are some great stillshots, too, and the sunrise is magical in the way it slowly reveals the dancers. Jeez, I am homesick for New England and I'm not even a native!

Sorry, I beatcha to it An-Ma, but you did have a 2 hour headstart, ya know**BG**

love ya,

kat

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:27 PM

Gee, I did an interview from 1:30-2:30 AM, and now I'm typing reports (or supposed to be typing reports). But happy Mayday, everybody.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: sail
Date: 01 May 99 - 06:11 PM

Animaterra, that is too much! I can't get over this modern technology. I probably mentioned I got to learn some Morris dancing once. Really enjoyed it. If I could find a group of women (very unlikely) here, would you please come to Florida to get us started??? Penny

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:24 PM

Penny, I wouldn't be the one of choice to get you started (I've only been dancing for 2 1/2 yrs) but any excuse to get to Fla- provided of course that you get your 6 women together in deepest Feb! You don't all have to be wm, you know- there are mixed teams, too. Double the fun!
I finished my May Day celebration back at the farm with a soak in their cattle-trough-turned-into-a-hot-tub- yummy!
Allison

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 01 May 99 - 11:26 PM

Well, the sun came up as I was cooking lunch for the Vermont chapter of the American Friends Service Committee's annual meeting. There were supposed to be one hundred people there, but since today was the nicest day in about 8 months, the attendance was somewhat low and there was quite a lot of Croation Sour soup, Hungariann Bean soup and Baklava left over. Got home at about 4, and rundled off to properly celebrate May 1 by visiting the Socialist Labor Hall in Barre (bit socialist and anarchist hub at the turn of the century) and then on to a meeting at the local Teamsters hall where we got to sing union, mining and other political songs with Helen Schnayer and other local heroes. Workers of the world Unite! Oh, and my apricot trees are starting to bloom, fools that they are!!

Susan

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 May 99 - 01:21 AM

Joe. You have to get out more!

Well, as much as I would loved to have been dancing around a tree naked and carefree, I spent 4 hours today changing strings on guitars, banjos, mandolins a dobro and a dulcimer. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it. Oh and watching the movie "The Fountainhead". Figured since I've never read Ayn Rand this was as close as I would get to at least having an opinion on what she was blathering on about so many years ago. Atrocious film. Badly acted (seemed like everybody was told to pose for a second before delivering a line) and the director King Vidor appropriated virtually EVERY innovative camera angle from Welles' Citizen Kane. Yuchhh, wouldn't want to be related to any of those characters. Surely her theories had more substance than that, for them to have even been newsworthy at one time.

Tonight I played for the annual May Day celebration, put on by Socialist Action of Toronto. I'm definitely not a Trotskyite or a believer in any system that has to filter current situations through a political ideology, but they're good people who want an end to poverty and racism. I'll surely go a long with that, and I hope my songs help a bit. Oops, I just realised the irony in the characters in the movie and the folks I spent the evening with. Man, if that's the choice, I'll take the "Trots" anyday.

And all day I kept thinking, "Catspaw", get well again.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 02 May 99 - 01:37 AM

Animaterra: Allison, isn't that you in profile on the right in the "waiting turns" photograph?

LEJ: Conifer must have changed a bit since I passed through there in the year of '59. Still, I really enjoyed your May Day fantasy. Keep up the good work. It eases our longing for Catspaw's contributions.

Caroline and I celebrated by doing a benefit concert for a church group in Warren, CT. They have an interim pastor from South Africa, and are raising money to send a bunch of their teenagers to visit that country with the minister and his wife as their guides. Should be a great experience for all of the kids who get to go.

My idea of the perfect May Day festivity is the ancient and honored one of couples heading into the woods to practice a little sympathetic magic. Gotta keep them crops a growin'!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: campfire
Date: 02 May 99 - 01:47 AM

It wasn't necessarily because it was May 1st, but because it was the first beautiful weekend here in Southeastern WIsconsin. We fired up the grill for our first cook-out of the season. After dinner we went to one of the local coffeehouse/cafes and listened to some friends perform.

campfire

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 02 May 99 - 02:02 AM

Thanks, Sandy- the fantasy was certainly more colorful than the reality in this case. Anyway, Catspaw better hurry back soon, as I am running out of material. We can take some comfort in all the straight lines we have set up for him to jump in on, it'll take him a week to take advantage of all of em...LEJ

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Cuilionn
Date: 02 May 99 - 02:09 AM

Wi' flood warnins in ither pairts o' th' state, an' me delichtit wi' th' festive drizzlin' rain, I sneakit oot o' ma seminary apartment afore th' dawn for blossom-gaitherin' an' a few solitary cairtwheels on th' lawn. I managit thirteen cairtwheels afore ma wrist stairtit protestin', which is nae bad for a seminarian...?!?

After bringin' in ma "sprigs o' May" an' arrangin' 'em aroond th' plaice, I deckit masel' in ma Auld-fashionit Scots peasant claithes, complete wi' bodice, cuikit masel' some breakfast, an'... spent th' next seven hours typin' a theology paper. Och, weel... I get tae help wi' a May Pole this Tuesday, as we askit oor local scholar-pagan tae tak charge o' this week's chapel sairvice an' she askit me tae help. I'll be playin' ma mountain dulcimer tae accompany th' dancin', providit it disnae rain tae muckle...or snaw! (They said it micht snaw, rilly. Th' speerits o' land an' weather in Denver dinnae seem tae unnerstand Beltaine jist yet!)

I blastit ma "Spring Revels" CDs a' day, tae mak up for bein' alane an' scholarly on th' Feast Day o' Fertile Fools... onyway, we dinnae hae ony wuids tae run aff intae. Anely a few tulip beds an' widely-spaced oaks an' spruces...*sigh!*

--Cuilionn, whae wishes she at least had some chocolate.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Tucker
Date: 02 May 99 - 05:05 AM

Almost 5 in the mornin' of May 2. I saw the stick dancers several days ago here in Portsmouth. We were celebrating William Shakespere's birthday. Nice show. On May day I put out my annuals. This year the flowers seem to be blue and red. Gotta get some white. Said a prayer for Catspaw as I planted so this year it's the Catspaw garden. I tend to do that. During the Gulf War when my son enlisted it was the Shane Garden/Return home soon. It was red/white/blue then too.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Barbara
Date: 02 May 99 - 11:49 PM

Hi, crew, I spent the weekend out in the woods doing some of what you reccommended, pity about the rest, Sandy, but I'm working on it.
I was here Click here doing massage and celebrating Beltane.
And sending healing to my friends that need it.
Saturday morning, and Sunday too, just for novelty, it snowed on all the bloomin' daffodils, but I also hiked out into the woods and found m'self a mess of black morels and I'm gonna go saute 'em on toast next. Eat your hearts out, mycophilogists.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 May 99 - 12:14 AM

Barbara, this one is for you, read it before you eat those 'shrooms!

Some phoaks went out to gather some mushrooms, feeling fairly confident they knew what to look for. When they got back home they were a little less confident. As they prepared to cook them, they decided to give one to the cat first, as a test. (I would NEVER do that to MY cats!) Anyway, after an hour or two, the cat was okay, so they decided to go ahead and eat them, too.

A couple of hours after dinner, they noticed the cat went into convulsions. This sent them into a panic; they rushed to hospital. Doctors immediatey set to pumping their stomachs out. Everyone was very relieved that they'd gotten there in time, but exhausted from the whole ordeal.

When they finally went home, late in the evening, they opened up the door, walked into the house and there was the perfectly fine cat, in the middle of the floor, surrounded by her brand new kittens!

Moral of the story: never use your cat as a taste-tester!

katlaughingHAO

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Barbara
Date: 03 May 99 - 02:02 AM

Too late, Kat, and the cat's just fine, no, wait a minute....
OH DEAR

I subscribe to David Arora's advice "Feed all unidentified mushrooms to the neighbor's barking dog..." I stick to the ones I can recognize.

Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Penny
Date: 03 May 99 - 05:47 AM

There are two Pennies here now. I am not in Florida. I didn't quite celebrate, but did possibly find something about celebrations in the past. I went for a walk in the local woods with a friend, to see if the glow-worm larvae were out (not) and gaze at the Moon and Venus reflected in the lake on May Eve. Quite magical. Then, yesterday a bit late, we went out on the North Kent marshes east of Gravesend, discussing various aspects of Great Expectations, as I dragged a friend to see a bit Anglo-Saxon-Jutish construction. (Or possibly, the map reveals, Romano-British.) There's an odd inlet from the Thames, which lines up with a wide mound in such a way that the old church (site of old nuns' priory) about half a mile beyond looks as though it sits on top of the mound. I thought this was just a bit of navigational marking, but got there about sunset, and found that the line near enough pointed from the church, over the mound, across the mouth of the inlet and to the setting sun. So, from the holy site there would have been a view across wetlands (now fields) to a low island and the sunset on that island on May Eve, and again on Lammas Eve. (I am not talking about precise surveyed lines, here, but a near approximation with fairly large targets.) So I've made an interesting May discovery, if haven't celebrated.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 May 99 - 10:07 AM

PennyUK, (to distinguish you from PennyFla) that's fascinating! I'm amazed about the details the ancients discovered and the wonderful results you discovered! We don't have the Anglo-Saxon-Jutish-Romano-British sites but do have mounds and natural formations honored by the native Americans- and here in the East, there may be Danish and Irish as well!
Allison

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 May 99 - 11:09 AM

Allison: have you ever heard of Gungywamp in Groton, CT up above the Thames River (everyone around there says Thames, as in that!)? It most definitely has ancient Celt runes, etc. The sun is aligned on certain holidays through apertures in the ruins. The Native Americans have some legends concerning it. I don't have the book handy, but it IS very interesting. Up until the past few years, it was like pulling hens' teeth to find out anything about it from the locals; it was on private property. Anyway, I understand it is being protected better, studied more, and beocming more well-known. It has a very eerie, but not in a negative way, feeling to it. I could have stayed there all day, but our friend/guide had to get back to work.

PennyUK- your posts are always full of such interesting origins etc. Thanks for sharing with us. I really enjoy them!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Margo
Date: 03 May 99 - 11:33 AM

Same as any other day, I spent it at home with my husband and kids. Sounds boring, but I'll tell you that a visit to my house will never prove dull.

Rick, I read Ayn Rand (heavens! I can't remember the title!) and liked some of what I read, but disliked other parts of her philosiphy. I wonder what you disliked?

Barbara: Do you mean to say that you were giving massage, or receiving it? I love massage! Besided that it feels good, I believe in it as a health measure. I've not heard about your hot springs. There's one on highway 26 going towards mount Hood that we went to. You have to hike up to it from the road. Also, there is one in Washington about an hour's drive from Vancouver on 14. I've gotta go. I really need it.

Blessings to you, Barbara!

Margarita

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Barbara
Date: 03 May 99 - 11:53 AM

I meant giving. It's one of several interesting ways I make not-very-much money. The one on Hood is Bagby, and the one up the river is Carson. There'a another on the McKenzie above Eugene called Cougar, I believe.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Penny
Date: 03 May 99 - 05:13 PM

You can guess which one - I didn't mention that the place is near Thong, did I? That belongs in another thread.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Barbara
Date: 03 May 99 - 08:14 PM

If it's near Thong, do you Thing there?

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: LEJ
Date: 03 May 99 - 09:45 PM

I've always considered Thong a fascinating area. Doesn't cover much territory though.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 05:40 PM

Wrote this for aa friend of mine a while back:

Let Us Dance!

Let us dance! Let the earth become fertile writhing with sensual lust longing for the seeds of the young god implanting them into her womb with each thrust of his hips. Let us dance! Let us celebrate the dance of Beltane! As we slither our nakedness about the fire as the flames reach upwards, licking the clouds. Let us dance! As the blood of fertility boils, flowing to the groin, nipples hardening, organs stiffening, juices swirling. Let us dance! Let us encircle the flames voices raised high in chanting praise, the liquors heating us to our very souls. Let us dance! As the mists close themselves upon us tickling our naked bodies, the dew mingling with our yearning sweat as we ache to join as one. Let us dance! As the faeries emerge from the mists to rejoice the rising into manhood of the young god. Let us dance! As the goddess receives the young god into her arms, sweat mingling, rapture rising, bodies joining, chanting intensifying, flames violent, desire amplifies, tramping intensely, mists churning, bodies squirming, fluids mingling, seeds embedding. Let us dance!

Amergin

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Micca
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 07:30 PM

On Mayday I will (if I can emulate last year) be getting up at dawn to drum up the sun and then help carry a Giant in a procession thru'the streets of Hastings UK following the Jack in the Green and about 200 Morris dancers, to Hastings castle wher the jack is ritually killed (to relaease the spirit of Summer) and dismembered and his green dispersed to to the crowd to take home for a Token of luck and sunshine. For more and pics try this site sorry I cant do blueclickys yet..http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/david_lock/

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 08:15 PM

Amergin! Naughty human! **BG** --Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 08:21 PM

That sounds like a great Mayday, Micca! And Amergin...I think I need a cold shower.>}

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 08:45 PM

Merciful Heavens, Amergin!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 11:04 PM

Wheewwwww.....

Must learn to look at the date of the first post in a thread. This "refresh" wasn't at all refreshing when I got up this morning. Thought I'd suffered a "stream of total obloodyblivion" for over a week - missed Anzac Day, me birthday, me bathday, and me May 1st Lions Meeting.

What with you lot rabbiting on about what you did on May Day, when it's still Easter Bunny time? And, the mentions of Spaw being crook and not posting? I knew I'd read his posts just before I hit the pit? My brain cells were screaming at each other, across the void, "Mayday! Mayday!.."

Spaw, ol' cobber, tell me you're there...;)

I was near the bottom of the thread before I realised I was hearing voices from last century. Never have been good at what day of the week it is, let alone the date. Whew, I'm still wobbling at the knees (as well as at the jaw).

Anyway, since I'm living on top of the word, down-under, and my seasons are "arse-about-face", it's Samhain for me, not Beltaine. It's appropriate the arrival of winter and the "feast of the Dead" is just a few days after Anzac Day, our rememberance of the War Dead. I'll be celebrating with a Feast, come May Day. By chance, (?) it's the day when "proper" Chinese chefs will come from the mainland to prepare "proper" Chinese nosh for our Lions Club - it's a day before our "proper" meeting, so no formal bits, just a knees-up. No leaping over bonfires tho', someone's bound to get legless and fall in, like happened at New Year.

As for rituals? Guess it'll be our traditional Port Raffle - to whit:

1. Each member buys as many $2 "chances" as they can afford.
2. We play "Heads'n'tails' - ie, you stand with hands on heads (or tails).
3. El Presidento flips a coin - should it land "heads" and your hands are on your "tail" you loose a "chance". If you were stingy, and only bought one, tough - you're out, so sit down.
4. And so it continues by day and by night, until only one remains standing. The Winner - Tarrraaggghhh!
5. Who, uncaps the bottle of Port, ceremonially pours the contents, and serves a glass to each of the Loosers.

And, all my lies are true! That is how we raffle the Port - Visitors to the Club are usually stunned - especially if they "won" the bottle. You find most members buy at least a couple of "chances" too - and no one bothers checking 'em, either.

So, that'll be my Feast and Ritual for May Day 2000. Mudcat May Day will be my "theme" for this month's Club Bulletin - thanks for the inspiration team. I'm off to steal some of your pearls of wisdom, to cast before the "Swine of the Lines" (Club).

And, Spaw, bet this thread revives memories for you. It's 3pm on Easter Sunday, no one wants a tour this arvo. The above SSC was written before work this morning, without the benefit of a single drop of magic potion.....;)

Must remedy the situation...;)

LOL - Sam

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 12:18 AM

Sam, I am LMAOWROTF!!! Love it!

Micca, watch it carrying that giant this year! It sounds so lovely...you knwo I wish I was there! Here's your blue clicky thingie, darlin.

Amergin, there is definitely hope for you, but I think you need to provide towels with the necessary cold shower LeeJ mentioned!*BG*

Leej, thanks for reviving this thread. How appropriate in timing. "But, of course," he said with a slight shrug and shy smile.

Merry Meet Ya'll!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Kelida
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 12:33 AM

Maybe I'll have a date, but probably not--I don't usually have those. In any case, it will probably be like any other day for me--wake up, shower, get dressed (30-inch bellbottoms and favorite tee-shirt), eat, brush teeth, go to school, come home, check e-mail and come to the Mudcat, create some art, play around on the computer some more, maybe do some homework, sleep. I celebrate in my heart, though. Spring is a wonderful time to be alive. . .

Peace--Keli

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 08:02 AM

I and the rest of the Shakespeare Morris Men will dance in the dawn at 05.30, on the Bancroft, by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with the first dance being "Morning Star" from the Bidford-on-Avon tradition.
At 06.00 we will dance outside Shakespeare's birthplace, then various other places till 10.00 (with a pause for breakfast and 3 or 4 pints of ale).
At 11.00 we will be dancing by the maypole at Welford-on-Avon, (which is reputed to be the tallest in England).
Then at noon we will join the Pebworth Morris Men and other guest sides at the world-famous Fleece Inn at Bretforton to celebrate their 25th anniversary and assist them in their quest to each drink 25 pints of beer on their special day.
After that, I don't know what I'll be doing - not a lot, I think!

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: GUEST,The Green Man
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 09:26 AM

The Green Man

Like antlers, the veins of the brain the birches
Mark patterns of mind on the red winter sky;
"I am thought of all plants," says the Green man,
"I am thought of all plants," says he.

The hungry birds harry the last berrys of rowan
But white is her bark in the darkness of rain;
"I rise with the sap,' says the Green Man, "I rise with the sap," says he.

The ashes are clashing their boughs like sword-dancers,
Their black buds are tracing wild faces in the clouds;
"I come with the wind," says the Green man, "I come with the wind," says he.

The alders are ratteling as though ready for battle
Guarding the grove where she waits for her lover;
"I burn with desire," says the Green Man,
"I burn with desire," says he.

In and out of the yellowing wands of the willow
The pollen-bright bees are plundering the catkins;
"I am honey of love," says the Green Man "I am honey of love," says he.

The hedges of quick are thick with may blossom
As the dancers advance on the leaf-covered King;
"It's off with my head," says the Green Man
"It's off with my head," says he

Green Man becomes grown man in flames of the oak
As its crown forms his maks and its leafage his features
"I speak through the oak," says the Green man
"I speak through the oak," says he.

The holly is flowerings as hayfields are rolling
Their gleaming long grasses like waves of the sea
"I shine with the sun," says the Green man
"I shine with the sun," says he

The hazles are rocking the cups of their nuts
As the harvesters shout when the last sheaf is cut;
"I swim with the salmon," says the Green Man
"I swim with the salmon," says he.

The globes of the grapes are robing with bloom
Like the hazles of autumn, like the Milky Way's stardust;
"I am crushed for your drink," says the Green Man
"I am crushed for your drink," says he

The aspen drops silver of leaves on earth's salver
And the poplars shed gold on the young ivy flowerheads;
"I have paid for your pleasure," says the Green man
"I have paid for your pleasure," says he.

The reedbeds are flanking in silence the islands
Where meditates Wisdom as she waits and waits; "I have kept her secret," says the Green man
"I have kept her secret," says he

The bark of the elder makes whistles for children
To call to the deer as they rove over the snow;
"I am born in the dark," Says the Green man
"I am born in the dark," says he.

-William Anderson-

BEHOLD THE GREEN MAN!

---

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 09:29 AM

"Hoo-ray hoo-ray
The first of May!
Outdoor f@cking
Begins TODAY!!!"

And that's the weekend my wife comes home after being away since January!!
:-P~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LOL!!!!!!!!
{~`

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Conrad Bladey (Peasant- Inactive)
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 09:39 AM

It is all here: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bj333/HomePage.season.html Irish Celebrations Enjoy! Conrad

May Day A landmark day as the first day of Summer. It was a gale day when land tenancy began or ended or when a half-year's rent was due. It was a day for change and marketing of ones skills by taking a tool symbolic of one's occupation to the fair. The cattle sheltered in the Winter and Spring were taken to the Summer pastures or: "Buaile".The fields scheduled for harvesting were carefully protected and cleared of stones. Turf cutting begins.

May day is a day for the housewife to demonstrate her skill at making the food last over the Winter and Spring. A formal meal was made with the good food which was left.

May Day was also a day for watching the weather which will help predict the end of frost and success for the summer months. One should not dig whitewash or bathe or sail on May Day.

Summer was welcomed in many ways: A May bush ws set up,flowers (especially yellow ones) were gathered into small bouquets which were hung up in the house-these must be picked before dawn of May Day. Horses bridles were also decorated with flowers. Generally flowers were tied to everything-cows, churns etc... as protective elements. In some areas branches of newly leafed trees were collected. The Sycamore being a favorite "May bough" in Cork. While the flowers were beautiful the main reason for their cutting and distribution was to ward off evil and bring good. The May Bush was extremely important in this regard in many parts. It was set up by the family on May Eve in front of the house door and was decorated carefuly with flowers and the colored egg shells carefully saved since Easter. Ribbons were also aded together with bits of candles. These candles were lit and a dance was held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Maryat dusk at May day eve.Children going door to door would chant:

"Long life and a pretty wife, and a candle for the May bush"

-of course they were looking for money as well!

Bonfires were also lit and sports competitions lead to the worst fighting of the year. May bushes became in some areas May poles. Stealing the bushes also was a source of great fighting and led to some famous rhymes:

"We'll wallab a mosey down Meadstreet in tune Ri rigdi ri ri dum dee, And not leave a weaver alive on de Combe Buyt rip up his tripe-bag, and burn his loom! Ri rigidi dum dee!"

The custom of young newly married couples giving new and decorated hurling balls:"May Balls" to the young men of the town also lead to great festivities and often violence as drink money was also given out with the balls.

Of many charms and omens for May Day the collection of May dew was the most well known. This was carefully decanted and collected to use as a medicine and for beauty. The man who washed his hands in the May dew would be good with knots and nets. There are many things you should not do on May day one of which is to pick up anything left in the roadway

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 09:53 AM

Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition... I AM still in the land of the living. Kat, please translate "LMAOWROTF" - all the versions I can come up with are verging on the ridiculous.

Keli, with 30" bellbottoms (and a coat of navy blue?) you just can't miss a date on that date.

Snuffy, my mind is boggling, What with your "Bid" and "Wel" start, you won't be able to afford a Ford, (let alone a Morris) by noon when you meet the worthies at the "Peb". And, you're talking of decorking 25 pints per pisshead? Have a corker day!

My blessing upon your liver - BUT - a word of warning - Don't dance TOO much, you know what happens when you "Shakes beer", don't you? I'll keep my aerial up on the 2nd. Sounds like the Avon will be 'avin the flood to end all floods that day.

And, talking of Maypoles, (which you were), please, please, bear a thought for how the Russians (ab)used the Poles on May Day 1916, while you are dancing, and having FUN.

Yours (in sorrow) - Sam

PS - the Ruskies used the Poles to keep the wires up. So, keep your aerial up on Mayday, Snuffy. I'll send a wireless message to see if you're still wired up at the end of it, not away with Arial, or snuffed it, after all those pints......;)

Have a bonzer day Snuffy, wish'a could be wiv'ya

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 01:01 PM

Good Lord, 30 inches?! I still can't figure how you folks MOVE in those things! By May 1st, I expect to be ditching pants and puttin' on shorts! And just what will I do on May Day? Study and slack off! I have art history final and a design project due that day...and since I ain't into the pagan junk, I'll NOT be Morris dancing or any , well..."fertile writhing"!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 01:58 PM

There isn't necessarily anything pagan about Morris, though a lot of people nowadays like to think there is.  May Day?  I'll be out with the South Riding Folk Network at Kelham Island in Sheffield for the annual Mayfest.  Playing; notdancing!  (Provisional programme  here.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Eluned
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 02:02 PM

Lonesome; thanks for refreshing this! Most illuminating!
Billy; Me too, on the diorientation!! I kept looking at my calendar, thinking, "am I in the wrong month??" btw, ROTFLMAO usually means, "Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off". W probably means Kat is more literate than average, and so included the gramatically correct "While laughing my ass off".
Amergin; WHOOOOO-boy! That is POtent! Mind if I share it with some lusty online female friends of mine .... and with my husband?
GUEST; your GREEN MAN poem is wonderful, full of imagery. May I share it? Is William Anderson a musician?
Clinton; LOL!! Merry Matrimony!!!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 02:46 PM

Great poem, GreenMan!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Caitrin
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 06:48 PM

I love the poem, GreenMan!
Beltane is also my best friend's birthday. Our personal celebration is (weather permitting) simply sitting in the hammock in my back yard, eating strawberries, drinking ice cold water or tea, listening to Steeleye Span, and talking (as we seldom get a chance to do.) It's one of my favorite days. : )
And Amergin, that's hot stuff! ; )

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 07:00 PM

The Green Man poem is from a book called "The Green Man" written by William Anderson, with photos by Clive Hicks looking into the Green Man Mythos...

{~`

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 07:03 PM

Is this Green Man any relation to The Green Knight who battle Sir Gawain?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: magician
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 07:56 PM

i'm asisting the the organiser of the "Moor & Coast" festival to steward the thing. judith didn't send me any rotas for the day? i think i've been lumbrede with the lot. a spelling checker would be niace.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 08:12 PM

Billy

The Pebworth Morris Men are looking to down 25 pints each, but I doubt if I'll even make it into double figures. And we haven't even got the excuse that it keeps us off the streets!

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 08:25 PM

Nope, the Green Man is not the same as the green knight...

Look around on the net, you'll find a little info if ya pull the carpet back far enough...

{~`

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Kelida
Date: 23 Apr 00 - 10:14 PM

Mbo--30 inches isn't so big. They're really very comfortable. I got paint all over my 36-inch bellbottoms, so they're not really presentable enough for a date, otherwise I would be wearing those. Of course, I might still, since I seriously doubt that I'll have a date. . . Don't knock bellbottoms till you've worn them yourself, m' boy--most comfortable pants ever--I know I swear by them. No shorts for me. . . and no "fertile writhing" either--sounds like something earthworms do in a compost pile. . .

Peace--Keli

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 12:42 AM

Well Brig, don't know about the bellbottoms, but all my parts are big and baggy now...I've dropped 20 lbs since Feb 1st, and know all my clothes are huge! But I do have this Carolina Panthers shirt with silicon joint compound and #2202C Block Printing ink all over it!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 12:53 AM

EXCUSE ME MBO...ALL YOUR PARTS ARE BIG AND BAGGY!!!??? Why you little braggart you!

Who was it that said "There are no small parts, only small actors".

Rick (with average parts)

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 12:58 AM

ARRRRG! I'm so embarrassed!!! It was supposed to say "pants"!! And don't worry K--I've never had a date in my life and I'm doin' fine!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 02:12 AM

Eluned, glad I wasn't the only one in a tither. Thanks for putting me right on the acronym - should have remembered that from BB days.

Snuffy, I'm ever so pleased to hear you won't be straining to drain 25 pints, you'ld have to strain your potatoes untold times to reduce fluid levels. But, please let us know how the Pebworthy's survive. It will be a Songworthy event, I'm sure. Here's a feeble attempt at a chorus.

Twenty-five pints apiece?
Aye-lads..(shouted in mock shock)
Twenty-five pints'a piss!
The Pebworthy Morris Men went to the Pub
And drank twenty-five pints apiece
Of Piss? (mock-whisper in reverential tones)

In deference to those of USofA extraction, I am not insinuating, that the worthys of Pebworthy are into what is so fetchingly called "Watersports". In Godzone, Oz, and I think the UK, the term Piss, is a colloquialism for Beer (or booze in general) - as well as many other things, which you will find in one of my posts somewhere in the Mudcat Labyrinth.

Snuffy, it's a pity your haven is Avon, home of THE Bard, not in the bard-lands of Wales. Oh, the things one could do with the Pebworthy's "taking a leek". Please give the Peb-worthys my support on Mayday. I truss they wear it at all times.

[Signed] Jock Strap

AKA - Sam or samwholovestwistingtheenglishlanguageintoformsitshouldntbebentto

NO apologies kat/katlaughing - I absolutely adore some of your sign-offs...;)

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Wavestar
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 06:35 PM

Beltaine... the one holiday I feel singularly unprepared for at the moment. I'll be working the annual Beltaine Faire and Feast that my local SCA group does on the Saturday before, but for May Day itself, I'll either be working my ass off or spending it in the company of friends in the lovely weather... hopefully the latter. I don't think there will be any fertile writhing for me either, this year... My writhing partener is not only far overseas, but recently ex from me... and whatever other offers I may have had would probably disturb the friend I have visiting... well, maybe not disturb, but dear as he is, I don't think I could deal with him joining in... I guess Clinton Hammond will have to writhe extra to make up for the rest of us! may it give you joy to see each other again, Clinton, although I'm sure that won't be a problem... *sigh**grin* Look forward to a Happy Beltaine, everyone, and Happy May Day... Keli's right, Spring is a beautiful time to be alive.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Caitrin
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 06:37 PM

Keli, you're absolutely right about bellbottoms! I wear them virtually all the time. I also swear by my sandals...my friends are almost certain I don't own any other shoes. (Actually, I do, just not many...it's hard to find a 10 1/2 narrow!)

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Amergin
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 07:16 PM

Eluned, if you want to share my poem with your lusty female friends and your husband, then by all means do so. It always makes me feel so good whenever I find out that my work is appreciated.

Kat and LeeJ, the line for your towels begins here, it's first come first served.

Amergin

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 07:49 PM

Good gravy Caitrin! I only wear an 8 1/2!!! Bellbottoms and sandals too, eh? Should known you were a groovy chick! **BG**

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 08:19 PM

Bell bottoms And sandals?!?!

Geeze... Frigg'n hippies! LOL!!

"The old rocker wore his hair too long
Wore his trouser cuffs to tight
Unfashionable to the end
Drank his ale too light"
-Too Old To Rock And Roll, Too Young to Die-

LOL!!

Whatever blows yer hair back eh!
{~`

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Caitrin
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 09:02 PM

That's because you're a dwarf, Mbo. *bg* I'm 5'10"...if I had little feet, I'd be balanced funny. Probably wouldn't be able to walk.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Apr 00 - 09:13 PM

Well, I'm ONLY an 1 1/2 inches shorter! Definately NOT a dwarf...maybe a troll, but definately NOT a dwarf! Don't have the big beard!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Eluned
Date: 28 Apr 00 - 08:01 PM

Thanks Amergin! I'm probably going to have to work on Mayday, but if I read that bit of poetry to my sweetie, either early in the AM before we go to bed or late that night after he gets home from work, I think we'll have a FINE may day celebration!,br.
Mbo, Clinton is right that the green man and the green knight are not the same thing, but there has been speculation that they are PART of the same thing, so to speak. Try looking up the Fisher King, also; another aspect of the Green Man, according to some. And, yes, the movie that uses that title IS referring to the same Fisher King that I am....mostly.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: DougR
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 01:33 PM

Pardon my woeful lack of knowledge, but what is the significance of Morris men, Morris women, Morris?

DougR

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 01:52 PM

Doug:

Have a look at the  Open Morris website, which has all sorts of information and links to more.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 02:47 PM

Well, there are two days to go until our annual May Celebration in Conifer, and this year promises to out-do even last year's festival. The feature this year will be a no-holds-barred Battle Royale between our local faction of Pagans(The Rocky Mountain Association of Centaurs), and armed members of the congregation of the Conifer Lutheran Church. The battle will take place on the baseball field at the High School, followed by a pot luck presented by the Communist Workers Party of Evergreen's Ladies Auxiliary. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the Miss Sheel-na-gig Contest promises to keep everyone entertained. At three o'clock, the annual Communist Mayday Parade will head down the main street. This year's theme is "Welcome Home Elian!", and we at Radio Shack have high hopes for our float Re-build the Berlin Wall!, which features heroic local school children assembling a large wall made entirely of daisies, while a rose-petal Stalin smiles down on them. The parade will terminate in front of the City Hall, where a large wicker-structure has been erected from the leftover wood used to build the new Temple of the Sacred Oak, on Bradford Lane. The losers of the Christian/Pagan Battle Royale will be incinerated within this Wicker Man in a ceremony that the local Chamber of Commerce promises "will light up the night!"

Have a happy May Day!

LEJ

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: DougR
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 03:55 PM

Malcolm Douglas: Thank you for enlightening me through that link you provided.

DougR

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: JenEllen
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 11:20 PM

I'm not exactly sure just what the day will bring. Never am, really. I've just made myself a promise to be aware and thankful, and that's the best I can do. Love to you all, no matter how you are celebrating. ~Elle
* I go through about a pair of work boots a year, and a little FYI--guys shoe sizes tend to run numerically about 2 smaller than gals. So, Dwarf and Giant, your grass smashers are about the same size! luv ya, E*

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: GUEST,firehair28
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 10:41 AM

LEJ, I may not know everyone on this thread, but I sure wasn't born yesterday. Had me going for a while, though!

Being a pagan myself, as well as up to my ears in pagans around me, we are celebrating all this weekend; Had maypoles yesterday (in deference to the work week - alas!) Tonight we are having an all-night vigil, to honor Walburga's Night, May Eve. There will be games, storytelling contests (I might borrow your posts to read, LEJ), and of course singing, as we all try desperately to keep each other (and the neighbors, cats, and assorted wildlife) awake.

At dawn we'll go trooping off to the misty bay lands to watch our local Morris troop bring in the May the old-fashioned way. Then to the local eatery for a hearty breakfast, and then those of us that couldn't get the day off will go to work. Wheeee!

And that's how we do it in foggy San Francisco (or thereabouts)

Happy Beltane, all! Fiona

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Eluned
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:44 AM

Hey, Lonesome, you and Garrison Keiller should get together!!! Conifer sounds like a twisted version of Lake Woebegon (Love that name!)!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: GUEST,Okiemockbird
Date: 01 May 00 - 05:13 PM

Here is Thomas Morton's account of how he (an Anglican) introduced the maypole to New England in 1628 or so, and the reaction he got from the "precise separatists" of Plymouth.

T.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do youcelebrate?
From: Petr
Date: 01 May 00 - 09:26 PM

Just came from a Beltaine celebration yesterday. Its an annual tradition. Held on the country estate of a fiddle playing archaelogy prof. and attended by many musicians, morris dancers, and many pagan type characters. etc. It begins with a mini play followed by the Quest in which you walk through the woods and interact with characters from the play (this year was Pandora's box) There is the planting of the maypole (Im sure there is a meaning there) followed by the dance. There is also a fire to jump over. Interspersed with music and good food, and good folks. A great time had by all.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: running.hare
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 07:09 PM

*re-refreshes the thread 3 yrs on.*


A Friend & I are planing on a bit of a party down the pub Wednessday night, B4 trouping up to the woods to Build a bower, & bedeck outselves. Have gained much inspiration here. alass the chances of a Green man are remote.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 07:16 PM

Invite Micca, he looks great in green.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Hester
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 07:20 PM

Generally, I start on May Eve (which is my birthday).

On rising next morning, I go outside, gather the dew from the lawn, and wash my face with it. Later, I make myself a chaplet of leaves and flowers from my garden to wear in my hair. If I'm feeling particularly spiritual that day, I might cast a circle and do a bit of solitary pagan ritual.

And, I usually post some special May Day lore on-line at my Robin Hood discussion group, The Greenwood.

This year, I'll be watching Morris dancers at dawn in the local park, then going to breakfast with a friend (if we can find a restaurant open that early).

Cheers, Hester

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Gareth
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 07:26 PM

It 's election day in South Wales, I shall be running the Labour Party Central Committee room (Control) in Caerphilly that day !

Sorry, the National Assembly election is more important that folk customs. Thouh I would like to see a old Irish election day custom introduced " Vote Republican - Vote Frequently "

And BTW if proper pre election day organisation had been applied in Florida, well GWB2 would not have been elected.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: PageOfCups
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 07:51 PM

Well, the one thing I WON'T be doing is paying our local "Earth-Centered Spirituality Circle" $5 for the privilege of jumping over a candle. Same group was charging $10 a ticket for its Solstice ritual. Since I couldn't determine if the Goddess was getting a cut of the gate, I declined to attend.

PoC,
annoyed when pagans go commercial

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 05:10 AM

Going to Hastings Jack in the Green for our Celebrations....Kendall...almost everone at Hastings is Greened....so Micca pretty much blends in!!!

Bright Blessings!!!

Cat

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 01:05 PM

Sort of mucked up these days by the fact that the May day holiday is now on the first Monday rather than May 1st so its work as usual. When it falls on a weekend Geoff and I take a walk up to the highest point around and watch the dawn break weather permitting.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Schantieman
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 02:46 PM

Up just before dawn, into Southport town centre to watch/play for the Southport Swords dancing the sun up (usually about 0520). A few songs - including 'Hal an Tow' and Dave Webber's 'May Song' and then into the Scarisbrick Hotel for a bacon buttie, a cup of coffee and a pint. (Their beer festival starts at 6 a.m. on May Day!). More dancing & singing inside.

Decent breakfast and off to work to sleep it all off (first day of term!). Out to a cocktail party in the evening!! (Not usually, I might add)

Steve

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Peg
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 03:36 PM

well, I might actually make it to Beltane on the Charles this year. A buch of loosely-affiliated fok get together before dawn on the riverbank and as people arrive there is Morris dancing (which is usually good) and then soem singing of songs with lyric sheets passed out (which is usually pretty lame). A portable Maypole is held aloft and then brought to another spot in the Harvard dorm courtyards...my friends usually go for breakfast afterwards and then off to work...I will have Thursday off so I will spend May Eve at a friend's house who lives nearby (otherwise it is impossible for me to get there in time) and may even stay up all night to make sure I make it (since I have been staying up til 4 am lately anyway...

I usually start the day bathing my face in the dew, too!

my coven will be having our usual festival on Saturday the 3rd but I will be in New York City...

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Micca
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 03:42 PM

I will be remembering My beloved sister,( and fellow Mudcatter) Fin ( Fionnuala Mary Nakamura of Pearl City Hawaii), who died on 29th April last year(which is May eve local time here in England)and all the good things she gave me.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 03:43 PM

Oh Mr. Schantieman, I can't wait. It's gonna be a long day!

Sal

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Pushkin
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 06:31 PM

The Orc and I will be going to Hastings where we will be hiding from Morris dancers, drinking far too much beer and watching Cat and Micca having to climb the very tall hill to the castle, whilst we relax and take in the full beauty of watching others suffer:-) Seriously Cat and Micca, we will have a drink waiting for you at the top of the hill (if the Orc doesn't drik it first).

Of course living in London we have the lovely May Day riots to look forward to....

Peace and lurveeeeeeee

Pushkin (the Orc refuses to put his name to these sentiments, other than the beer).

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Apr 03 - 07:49 PM

Going to need a beer me thinks Pushkin!!!! Looking forward to it!!!...See you on Saturday...possibley after I've been tattoo'd!!!

Have fun!!

Cat

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 27 Apr 03 - 05:59 PM

I usually start on 30 April by serving drinks at a May Eve folk dance. On the day I go out marching with my union, then go on to listen to a folk session in a village nearby. However, as the May Eve dance tends to go on a bit, items 2 and 3 were usually slept through the last few years. So this year I'm skipping the dance ...

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: LesB
Date: 27 Apr 03 - 07:06 PM

Same as Schantieman, but i'll be doing some dancing. Oh! and miss out the cocktail party.
See you there Steve
Les

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Snuffy
Date: 28 Apr 03 - 09:04 AM

Dance at dawn in Stratford 5.20 - 7.00, good breakfast at a hotel. Off to work, then dance again in the evening at Offenham maypole celebrations and then at the pub.

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 02:26 AM

Pushkin, there better be more than one beer, Micca isn't the only Catter climbing that hill, and he probably won't be carrying a giant! Those that are, don't have the option of getting on the funicular (or funny colour) railway either!

I know of at least 4 other Catters, 2 with giants, who are going up that hill, and there are bound to be more whose names I don't connect..... best be waiting with a barrel!

LTS

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 12:59 PM

Don't have to be carrying a Giant. We are all there to have fun and celebrate the coming of Summer!!....Anyhow its Puskin's and Steve's round!!!!

See you Saturday Nikki and Steve!

Love

Khatt and the Hairy One!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Peg
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 09:10 AM

Have fun with those giants Cat and Micca! Wish I could make it there! (I WILL come to the UK for Beltane one day)

Be sure to send a nice pic to Witchvox!

love
peg

Subject: RE: Bealtaine/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 11:53 AM

there have been several threads of this nature on Mudcat, and somehow I never noticed them in past years.

When I was growing up I heard about maypoles and I heard a couple of songs such as "now to the maypole haste away ...". It wasn't part of my own experience - though it sounded very pleasant - and I always associated such customs with May days in England.

As a young adult, I thought of May Day as a workers' holiday. The Christian churches are the only organisations to co-opt pagan festivals! Some years I have gone to the local annual trade union rally. It is not well attended.

It is not May Day that we celebrate now so much as the nearest weekend, as we have a Monday bank holiday. This is THE weekend for festivals. Mudcat gathering in Groningen was never a starter for me for I knew I'd be spoiled for choice nearer home. Jazz festival here in Derry, Girvan folk fest in Ayrshire, Scandinavian fiddle workshop in Yorkshire, Irish traditional music fests with workshops in Counties Donegal and Mayo (and no doubt several other places), Joe Heany commemortative sean-nós weekend in Conamara, etc. These events don't have any specific Bealtaine focus, though they are probably in the general spirit (any fertility rites are held in private, however).

Old people in Derry city have told me of hanging yellow gorse flowers over their doors on May Day to ward off evil spirits; the custom has died out. The Irish language choir and children in some of the schools sing Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn. The religious folk in the area of Doon Well in Donegal gather together there. One association is that this is when Mary is supposed to have conceived Jesus.

I don't know of anyone lighting fires, intentionally, on the day. I've heard Bealtaine means the fire of the god Baal ("tine", with two syllables, means "fire")

This year a friend told me she's going to a May-Day well dressing in Scotland, and she reminded me of the significance of the song "Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn". And I heard Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin's album "An Dealg Óir", which includes two Irish songs associated with May Day processions, and came across a Beltane Night song based on "Sí Beag Sí Mór". So now I am noticing the Mudcat May Day threads, posting regular songs and information, and thinking of organising a local May Day folklore evening next year. Not on the May holiday weekend of course; there's too much else on!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Felipa
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:36 PM

While several people have mentioned the connection between May Day and organised labour, I haven't noticed specific mention of anti-globalisation protests tomorrow.
also: http://www.mayweek.ab.ca/
(useful summary of May Day heritage)

This is my favourite time of year. The days are getting longer, the birds singing more. Despite the infernal call of the cuckoo, I really miss Skye at this time of year. I spent two years there before returning to city life. Still, there is enough greenery around me here to appreciate the fresh pale green leaves on trees, the flowering of cherry, blackthorn, horse chestnut, lilac, laburnum, azalea, & the first "rhodys" of the season. (are there any songs about hay fever?)

Somewhere in this thread - or in a similar one - someone in Australia pointed out that
seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere. Even as a child I sometimes pondered whether people in the south had snow motifs on their Christmas cards, but now I am starting to think more about the topic. We have a lot of Christian celebrations superimposed on older festivals. The older pagan festivals were closely related to seasonal changes, contrasted with Christian commemorations of particular events or saint's days - which are then transported to other regions of the earth on the same date. Thus Christmas isn't celebrated on the southern winter solstice, but in December (or Jan. in some churches). I suppose for the smaller festivals, observation of the fests are more localised and people can all celebrate their own special saints. So I wouldn't expect May Day to be a big event in Argentina (but I could be wrong).

By the way, I was in Ghana Dec. 1989. Ghana is just north of the equator and the daylength doesn''t vary much. They have wet and dry seasons rather than hot and cold or short days and long. I noticed huge banana fronds outside the market stalls. When I asked, I was told these were Christas trees. I wonder are they used for palm Sunday as well.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Felipa
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:41 PM

also I will wash my face with the May Morning Dew (an aid to eternal youthfulness??)

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: vectis
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:47 PM

Eastbourne for the dawn. Upton for the weekend.
Happy Summer everybody :-)

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Micca
Date: 07 May 03 - 03:11 PM

For anyone curious as to the answer to the question posed in the title see Here

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 07 May 03 - 03:35 PM

We depend on a friend with a house in the country for Beltane festivities: May pole, dancing, bonfire, pot luck, lots of music, a wee dram or several.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 May 03 - 03:36 PM

Grand piccies!!...It was a good weekend and lots of alcohol was consumed and Liz got a war wound from a bottle of wine!!!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: JennyO
Date: 08 May 03 - 12:09 PM

Even though we are actually in the wrong hemisphere and should have been celebrating All Hallows Eve, some of us went to watch the Sydney Morris Men dancing at Mrs Macquarie's chair in the Domain at dawn on May 1. It rained heavily for most of the time.

Then we walked round past the Opera House and Circular Quay where all the drab power-suited people were streaming off the ferry to work. What a sight we were - hats adorned with flowers and bells jingling and singing "Yo ho, yo ho, it's off to work we go!". It struck me then how rich my life is, even though I don't have much of material things.

Finally breakfast at the Lord Nelson pub in The Rocks, a sing, another pub, a drink and another sing, and the Morris Men danced again on the footpath outside. And all this before lunch. Life is good!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 May 03 - 02:57 PM

Today (8th) was Helston Flurry day, so the festivities continue, and next week sees Abbotsbury Garland Day - is there no end to the fun?

LTS

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 03 - 06:31 PM

Today was Abbotsbury Garland day. The children of the village would prepare a bouquet of flowers, parade it round the village and collect money. The flowers were originally thrown into the sea with a blessing... in more recent years (the last 50) they've put it on the war memorial, a fitting tribute, because of the 16 names on the memorial, at least 4 were related to each other and they lost their lives in the Battle of Jutland, 31/05-01/06 1916.

Abbotsbury is a small village on the south west coast of Dorset, at the end of the Chesil Bank. It's famous for its swannery (nesting time now, lots of tiny cygnets), a hill top chapel, thatched houses and partially ruined Tythe barn.

LTS

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From:
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 02:12 PM

Merry Meet

I am celebrating for the first time and would be grateful for info on where I can go to celebrate in central florida ( if any happen to know) the closer to Pinellas county the better.

Blessed Be

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 03:19 PM

Oh this thread makes me wish I were in the UK. I'd either be at Glastonbury, where I celebrated Beltane in 2001, or the Girvan Festival in Scotland which usually runs that weekend.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 03:31 PM

I celebrate it the same way I celebrate Easter and Xmas. I usually miss the date altogether.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Cats at Work
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 07:28 AM

I can't be anywhere else on May Day except Padstow in Cornwall. First the night singing, then the 'Oss.

'Oss 'Oss

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 11:29 PM

Happy May Day! Enjoy this Rare Aulde Threade!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 07 - 12:45 AM

Yew, too, my LeeJ!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Cats
Date: 01 May 07 - 01:48 AM

At just after 5am we had an amazing thunderstorm. About 5 minutes before dawn it stopped and the skies cleared. Then... the most intense pink I have seen for many years right across the sky turning to a ball of liquid gold. Bright Blessings on this Beltane. It has to be a special one with a start like that!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 May 07 - 02:29 AM

Right this moment, at 27 mins after Beltane here, playing in the chat room and minding a broken husband. Katlaugh, see your PM's?

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Sailargh
Date: 01 May 07 - 02:59 AM

Wow. As a sailor, navigator, radio guy and former flight service specialist I know all about standard time, time zones and such. However it's much neater to read this and realise that while you've acknowledged May Day already there's still a quarter of an hour 'til our day turns and I'll be getting under five hours kip before rising to put the coffee on.

More will be following us I guess, not many but the possibility for a few, the folks down under having been ahead of you.

In Victoria, B.C. we have three Morris sides which have as our happy responsibility a gathering down at Clover Point. We erect a non-ribboned May pole and dance the sun up. Ah! Just remembered we've entered the 21st century (CE) and it's now all on-line:
http://rgoldman.org/morris/mayday.htm#Victoria
Thanks Ric, I think.

Okay, kit's laid out - check (that's a first!)
Coffee's ground - check (sigh, in the interest of ensuring I have any at that hour)
Breakfast contribution is ready - check (Rice Krispy Sq. - don't laugh, been years since I made em. Can you say 'batch-o-lure'?)
'Stuff' for the coffee too - check (I'm not driving, the musos are)
Alarm is set - check

G'night, see you in May.
Bright Blessings

John

'JD' Erskine
Victoria, BC

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 01 May 07 - 03:45 AM

Paul and I held our Beltane Ritual last night....May Eve. Cast circle, welcomed the God and Goddess, did a couple of spells. Welcomed in the summer hoping the sun would rise again in the morning. I woke this morning to see the sun rise and welcomed in the summer.

Its a glorisous day here today. Tonight we will go up to Lady Penelope's gathering in Chingford.

Bright Beltane Blessings to all

Khatt x

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 01 May 07 - 04:49 PM

After doing some 'night singing' at Devizes Folk Club last night, my contribution to Beltane/May Day - to insist in Court that I use the new Pagan Oath which has been approved by Her Majesty's Court Service and the Home Office -

"I swear by all that I hold sacred that the evidence I give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

Magistrates were bemused, and the Court Clerk objected. I told him to check the Court's information website - he had to admit I was right.

So I think I honoured the God and Goddess in the best way I could considering that I had to be at work today (in Court).

Then tonight - the good bit dancing the moon up - and what a beautiful full moon, following a beautiful May Day. Gaia has truly shown us her wondrous gifts today.


Polly

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 07 - 05:01 PM

Polly, that is a wonderful to honour! Thanks for sharing it.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 May 07 - 05:41 PM

I celebrate with post Eleventy one!

LTS

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:07 AM

The kids and I got up at 4 and went up Breedon Hill in South Derbyshire where Packington Morris, helped by Leicester and Man Friday Morris sides danced the sun up. It was a lovely morning and watching the sun slide red over the rim of the world was great..only spoiled by the fact that the pollution around the horizon made it look pixillated until it was clear of the edge.

And wasn't the moon beautiful last night? I had to drive to Ashley in Staffordshire to do a talk (about 1 1/4 hours drive) and driving back across the edge of Cannock Chase I could barely keep my eyes on the road for staring at the incredible silvery orb in the sky. A great finish to a well-started May Day. As Cats says, it's got to be a good summer having begun like that!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:48 AM

It was a rather splendid moon last night... I was also driving last night and got distracted by it. It brought out the local wildlife too, a young fox with a mouth full of chicken takaway got between me and the front gate. I stood still but he still couldn't decide which way to go, all the while being about 6ft away from me!

LTS

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:39 AM

I am not a Pagan, but I grew up in a largely unassimilated Irish community in New York. Certain habits and customs practised in my family can certainly be traced to Pagan origins.

For example, today being the First of May, it is the day to clean out your fireplace, being careful to sweep out every last coal and then discard them. Scrub the stones clean and then light a new fire at sunset. WHile we may sweep out coals during the rest of the year, we don't have to scrub the stones clean again until next May 1st.

First of May is also a day to bring gifts to Brides who were married in the preceding year. Traditonal gifts include a box of salt, a loaf of bread or..bread starter (new live yeast culture), a brand new broom and a silver coin. I have no clue why but I believe the new yeast culture has something to do with the same reason why you light a new fire.

I hear that First of May is a popular Pagan wedding or handfasting day. I always thought that odd since I was told growing up that "Only wicked women marry in the month of May". When I was planning my own wedding made the mistake of suggesting memorial weekend, the shrieks from my 96 year old grandmother nixed that but quick. My sister who got remarried in may after a divorce had her wedding shunned by my family. They refused to attend the ceremony but did go to the recption. I don't know if this because of the wicked women marry in may thing. The reason, I was told is that the month of May is sacred to the Virgin Mary and that any woman thinking herself the equal of the Virgin will suffer bitter disappointment in her marriage.

Amazing how we retain this stuff, eh?

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Sugwash
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:58 AM

By staying in bed until the Morris men have safely buggered off.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: MuddleC
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:19 AM

Well, I think I'd better report to MI6 or MI5, the suspicious goings on I witnessed yesterday morning...

There I was on this hill-top at 4.30 in the morning, just me the 12thcentury church and the graveyard.... when a group of sinister people started to arrive in ones and twos.... Many were dressed for the cold wind, and had brought spirits to fortify them... many were in ceremominal garb.. oh no! I thought, it's one of those fundamentalist religious groups holding some kind of training session. This seemed harmless enough at first , as these white ninjas used nothing on each other but handerkerchiefs.... a sophisticated scoring device was attached to each of their lower legs and thiese would emit a jingling sound when ever someone was deemed to have received a 'hit',or a 'death-kick' from some other protagonist. There was even some dam fool running about between the bandolier-draped warriors of Morris, and how he got his coat cut to ribbons so was a mystery, for I saw no blades... it was only fit for rags afterwards.......Eventually this was not enough for these men-in-white, for as the sun rose above the far horizon, they discarded the hankie for a deadly baton of hazel or ash which they used to rain frenzied blows down upon one other. All this was done with ancient chant or to the frenzied playing of a melodic reed instument, its' bellows wheezing gleefully animal-like with the strain... then as the sun rose higher, they were gone, like guerillas in the mist..... Breedon Hill could slumber till next year
Mulder and Scully if you're listening..be there!


PS.sorry I missed Packington in the evening msblynne shady ratboy et Ted. but I was john kernackerknackered!!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 02 May 07 - 07:09 AM

Hmmm...did anyone report the shady looking-individual lurking around the ancient church at 4.30am before the Morris men arrived??


Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Lucius
Date: 03 May 07 - 12:36 AM

Jack in the Green on Pack Monadnock, NH

I'm the one with the pony-tail.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 May 07 - 12:52 AM

Great video, Lucius. Thanks!

MuddleC...loved your *report*!

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 May 07 - 01:00 AM

Looks like fun, Lucius! Hours of practice, I'll bet.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Muttley
Date: 03 May 07 - 02:42 AM

Sorry Folks: Did I miss an announcement?

What's up with 'Spaw?

Muttley

PS Happy Beltain

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:08 PM

Lucius - I loved the dog who wanted to join in - he even brought his own stick! Nice doggie! Was it a irish Setter? Maybe a retriever of some kind.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 03 May 07 - 05:00 PM

May Day resolution: I write all my dollar signs upside-down.

Art

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: GUEST,Malcolm Victory
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 10:23 AM

Here in Malvern, Worcestershire we (the local nutters) initiated an annual celebration on the Saturday nearest ot May 1st to celebrate Beltane. There is a Grand Parade through the streets with massed bands (mainly Samba) and dancers, and music in the Priory Park all afternoon, along with amusements, stalls, food - oh yes, and Drink! Now run by the Malvern Fringe, it is in its 16th year. Strangely, it hardly ever rains - which is rare in Malvern! Praise the summer.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: GUEST,Pádraig.
Date: 26 Feb 17 - 08:38 AM

I'm trying to find the tune to an 18th century Dublin song called "The May Bush", if the tune exists. I have the lyrics. It begins:

De night before the first of May Riggy dee di di dum tum de To cut a brave bush we all did agree Riggy dee di di dum tum de We being all in a fighting mood We straight se out for Santry Wood To fetch home a bush or spill de last drop of our blood Riggy dee di di dum tum de

Any help would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: keberoxu
Date: 27 Apr 17 - 08:42 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Apr 17 - 03:01 PM

and refresh again

Subject: RE: Beltane/May Day-How do you celebrate?
From: Pat deVerse
Date: 30 Apr 17 - 04:06 PM

Bealtaine (pron. Bee aul teena) in our part of the world. Or Mayday! As a strong supporter of workers rights I'll try to get to the May Day march in Dublin tomorrow.