In Our Community, May-June 2002

"Ultimately, education is about connecting with the universe, making our place in it. The more we connect, the bigger our lives and dreams." --Grace Llewellyn

May Day Gathering
by Jesse and others

   The apple tree burst into bloom on the first of May, just in time for a May Day celebration. Despite grey skies a large group of all ages gathered for the festivities. There was a delicious potluck and the medieval music group sang and played. Children folded and decorated paper May baskets and picked wildflowers to fill them. Everyone danced around and wound bright colored ribbon on the maypole. We learned some spring songs. We wrote some spring poems. Some people also divided and potted tansy plants to take home with them.

   Many of those who attended took sunflower seeds home in their May baskets. They will plant the seeds in special places. Later this summer, if you see a sunflower blooming in an unusual place, smile warmly and know that it may have been planted by one of the May Day participants.

   A Medieval-style spring poem by Jack, composed for the festival:

Click here for the previous issue's article or here for the May-June 2002 back issue index.