Folklore: Now tis first of May

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST,ClaireBear
Date: 02 May 06 - 01:43 PM

The California report:

Up long before the day-o (3:30 to be precise), we'd dressed the site with candles and flowers and were ready for dance-up well before the 5:30 start time. With its usual May morning site a soggy swamp after a wet spring, Apple Tree Morris in Sebastopol, California moved its festivities to a brick-and-turf labyrinth this year. Rather lumpy for the dancers, but at least they didn't sink. And no sprained ankles, either... Actually it looked very pretty -- the circular labyrinth ringed by candles and flowers -- framing the dancing just right.

As for me, I played my ukulele til the sun came up...oh, and my concertina and my dulcimer.

The weather was PERFECT! -- the first truly superb day of the year.

A leisurely breakfast pot-luck and singing session, a couple of dance-out stops (a school and a senior residence), and then we were off to a pub in Santa Rosa for our well-deserved pints of the best.

Sunrises ensured for another year.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: JohnB
Date: 02 May 06 - 10:17 AM

Dawn at High Park in Toronto, an hour and 1/4 drive for us. Some of our team stayed down there with friends relatives etc.
The Weather was outstanding, the best I remember in the last ten years. Beatiful sunshine all day long, we have had sleet some years.
Happy May to all from the Morris Dancers of Toronto Canada and area.
Green Fiddle Morris, Toronto Morris Men, The Belles of York, Toronto Womens Sword, Half Crown Clog, Cold Barn Morris, and my side Orange Peel Morris.
We all danced two dances and a couple of massed dances, with the traditional song singing bit in the middle. I got to lead Hal an Toe this year as Parky had no voice. Then off to John Mayberry's place for a Pot Luck breakfast.
Someone said it was the 28th year.
Some of us then get back together around tenish, after breakfast anyhow, and wander around Toronto dancing here and there. Funny how many British people we met yesterday, they invariably say "I didn't know anyone did this sort of thing over here"
JohnB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Dave Earl
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:47 AM

In Brighton, up at the Hill Fort, dawn was wet and windy.

One dance each from Brighton Morris men and their ladies side (Cuckoos Nest) a couple of songs and the traditional walk round the earth ramparts.

After that Breakfast in the All Night Diner.

It was done in traditional fashion but spoilt by the poor weather. I am told that in 25 years there have only been 3 non sunny dawns on Mayday.

Glad I did it and will probably do it again.

Dave

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 May 06 - 05:59 AM

Yesterday morn I danced Nutting Girl in full kit at the all-school assembly as a May Day surprise; (had to use a recording since my whole team was taking the day off and galavanting around the region, but not close enough to get them to my school in time)!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: LadyJean
Date: 01 May 06 - 11:58 PM

I've been singing May songs all day. Suddenly I had a vision of my stolid and oh so geriatric neighbors decked in green and dancing down Braddock Avenue. Probably not a good idea.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 01 May 06 - 09:16 PM

Happy birthday to me!

And Judy Collins, I understand.

Unfortunately, it does feel like the start of summer here (high in the 90's, which in September or October feels great, but in April or May does not), we had a nice little late cool spell the past few days.

~ Becky in Tucson, Arizona

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 May 06 - 07:33 PM

Remember that May songs were traditionaly done leading up to May Day. Eg - Drawing near to the merry month of May etc. Once May 1st is past there is not a lot of stuff sung about it! Now, May the 4th is different. Star Wars day...

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST,Rattler
Date: 01 May 06 - 06:37 PM

Nottinghamshire: cold, wet, cloudy, but we did it anyway! Top of Castle Hill, Laxton, with beer, bacon and black pudding for sustainance. And 60+ spectators, some of whom became participants in the last dance! So does the year turn around. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Hawker
Date: 01 May 06 - 06:18 PM

Maypole dancing on Floras Green, Heligan in brilliant sunshine, surrounded by beautiful bright coloured rhododendron blooms..... then a stroll on a deserted Pentewan beach.........Summer's here! Happy Beltane!
Cheers, Lucy
Guess waht we heard Helygen...............

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 May 06 - 05:56 PM

Hastings was cold, windy and wet at dawn this morning and stayed that way until about 10.45am. However, by the time the Jack in the Green procession had wound its way up to the castle, it was bright and sunny and considerably drier!

Summer is back! (missed it last year, I was in the bathroom)

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Cats
Date: 01 May 06 - 12:46 PM

There was serious rain for the Night Singing but today in Padstow has been real magic. Oss Oss

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST,Scooby
Date: 01 May 06 - 11:13 AM

Iwas awake Dave saw the weather and watched the sunrise from my lounge.
Love to Elizabeth.
Yas

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 01 May 06 - 10:51 AM

Up early for a breakfast with food in it! Real animal fat!

Then to about 12 nut brown ales nice and sweet...basket of flowers from the garden....

Appeared with trumpet and played something folkish then hid for fear of neighbors....

Now well into the 12 bottles of broon.

A beautiful sunny may morning- thank god for Self Unemployment!

Someone should do away with anti hangover laws for the workplace as I seem to never get anyone out on a workday.... all the more Broon for me.

CB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Little Robyn
Date: 01 May 06 - 02:21 AM

Oss Oss
Wee Oss
I'm thinking of all my friends in Padstow but we're heading for winter on this side of the world.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: jillfiddle
Date: 01 May 06 - 01:55 AM

A Bright and Merry Beltane to all.
(It's chucking it down 'ere in 'Ull, but I saw it in in my back garden anyway!!)
Peace and hugs &c,
A very wet & bedraggled jill

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 May 06 - 12:12 AM

Now is the month of Maying, when merry lads are playing
fa la la la la la la la etc
each with his bonnie lass upon the greening grass
fa la la etc
-----------
Good dulcimer tune.

Breton cap, I wish I could be there to see the dancing.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 09:17 PM

Whoops I forgot to log in.

That were I.

Dave
(Breton Cap)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 09:15 PM

Well Conrad thee be farther away than I be dear boy.

But tis ony an hour or so from from I be afore I is away for to see the May in.

But for all that enjoy that start of zummer.

Dave

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 08:58 PM

Only just about 9 pm but we shall be up early horn hats at the ready to greet the may morn in!
I actually get to eat breakfast with food in it! And a few pints of broon and of course the watersons....

Conrad

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Dave Earl
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 07:39 PM

Aint always out of doors tha' knows.

Just been there and done that

And like I said in a few hours (After more coffee - I've had the beer)I shall be out and about again.

Dave

Subject: RE: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 07:22 PM

Old schoolyard rhyme:

Hooray, Hooray
Its the first of May
Outdoor fucking
Begins today!

Spaw

Subject: Folklore: Now tis first of May
From: Dave Earl
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 07:09 PM

Greetings,

Tis now the first day of summer.

And at sparow fart I shall be out with the Brighton Morris doing thier thing at the place where it all happens.

That is to say up on the Downs (the Sussex downs) welcoming the May.

And is that Good Beltane for those os that persuation.

Dave