Maypole Dance

Maypole dancing is most often associated with May Day celebrations all over the world but also happens at other times of celebration. Originally commemorating the arrival of spring, May Day was a holiday with much merry-making. A young girl was selected as May Queen often with a May King. They were “crowned” and presided over the festivities which included feasting, singing, music-making and maypole dancing.

Originally, the tradition was to decorate a maypole with garlands of flowers and leaves. These were known as ribbon-less poles and dancers simply circled the maypole in time with the music which was often provided by pipe and tabor, fiddle and whatever other instruments could be found. Later, ribbons were attached to the top of the maypole and dancers wound in different directions around the maypole holding a ribbon each to create a complex pattern of colours.

The dances were often led by Morris Dancers playing the traditional tunes of the region. These regions include Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, Britain, Ireland, USA, Italy and Canada!

Today, the music usually features fiddle, pipe, tabor, accordion, concertina and drum, bring your instrument to play along if you aren’t dancing than you too can enjoy in the festivities.

The Meaning of the Maypole

It has been associated to sacred trees and blessings of fertility as the new breath of spring stirs in the earth a waiting the blossoming as the sun beckons all to life! This dance with maidens and kings represent that dance of life we should all be celebrating with glee and merriment!

This year we will be using the 4 medicine colours of white, yellow, red and black to remind us of all our cultures in all the directions! A $5 donation per person dancing would be very kind if you can manage it! Chi-Miigwetch!

 

1:30 pm in the PARK AREA

 

IF YOU PLAN ON COMING BRING FAERY WINGS IF YOU HAVE THEM AND COME MAKE A FLOWER CROWN AND BELL ANKLET  at 10 Am with Sarah at the children’s program in Wee Folk Village.