a woodland Maypole

May 1: May Day

A delicate fabric of bird song
Floats in the air,
The smell of wet wild earth
Is everywhere.
Red small leaves of the maple
Are clenched like a hand,
Like girls at their first communion
The pear trees stand.
Oh I must pass nothing by
Without loving it much,
The raindrop try with my lips,
The grass with my touch;
For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May
Shining after the rain?

Sara Teasdale, “May Day” from Flame and Shadow (1920)

As you wander…

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May poles are one of the sweetest traditions of this beautiful growing season, and this miniature woodland May pole has been one of my favorite paper scenes to create…for both the young and the young-at-heart, ‘playing’ our way through the calendar can be so enlivening.

I designed this May Day scene to be placed on top of a turntable, ideally - so the liturgical critters can ‘dance’ around the May pole - but I’m sure you can all find a million creative ways to bring this to life.

Removable flower crowns can adorn each animal, and they can also tote a pannier filled with May wine (and some extra Sweet Woodruff and Strawberries).

I tried to think of every detail to bring this to life…all of the animal cut-outs are double-sided, so they can still have continuity as the scene rotates. A patch of dandelions hides the base of the May pole, and a garland of wild roses tops it.

This whimsical May Day scene is available for you in the Scriptorium - just add ribbons and a May pole, and you’re ready!