Thursday, April 30, 2009
May Day...
Tomorrow is the first of May, otherwise known as May Day. May Day marks the end of the half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. The Puritans frowned on May Day, so the day has never been celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the United States as in Great Britain. But the tradition of celebrating May Day by dancing and singing around a maypole, tied with colorful streamers or ribbons, survived as a part of the English tradition. The kids celebrating the day by moving back and forth around the pole with the the streamers, choosing of May queen, and hanging of May baskets on the doorknobs of folks -- are all the leftovers of the old European traditions.
Traditional May baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
But enough history, lets look for some resources and fun things to do with the children...
Tomorrow is the first of May, otherwise known as May Day. May Day marks the end of the half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. The Puritans frowned on May Day, so the day has never been celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the United States as in Great Britain. But the tradition of celebrating May Day by dancing and singing around a maypole, tied with colorful streamers or ribbons, survived as a part of the English tradition. The kids celebrating the day by moving back and forth around the pole with the the streamers, choosing of May queen, and hanging of May baskets on the doorknobs of folks -- are all the leftovers of the old European traditions.
Traditional May baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
But enough history, lets look for some resources and fun things to do with the children...
- As always, DLTK has lots of craft ideas and activities.
- Kaboose also has some great craft ideas.
- Preschool Education has some fun song ideas to share with the children.
- About.com has some more May Day crafts and info.
- Perpetual Preschool has snacks, games, art, and more.
- First School is another site to check for May Day activities.
- Preschool Express has games, songs, and more.
- Don't forget to check out Crayola.com for coloring and craft ideas.
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 5:30 AM 
