May Day & Grandparents Day
In ancient times, May Day was a celebration of nature’s revival after a long and cold winter. WSB celebrates May Day by honoring our students’ extended families, and friends. We invite you to join us for a day filled with classroom activities and springtime festivities, this year with a Mexican theme.
May 5, 2017 Schedule
8:15 – 9:00am Grades 1 – 7 Classroom Observations
8:30 – 9:00am Children’s Garden Classroom Visits
9:00 – 9:30am Refreshments
9:30 – 10:30am Activity (choose one) (1) Windows Into Waldorf Tour (2) How the Developing Brain Informs Waldorf Education (3) Paper flower making and Salsa Dancing
10:45 – 12:00pm Student Procession, Welcome, Crowning of the May Royalty, Maypole, Ribbon, Sword and Machete dancing
12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch, Plant Sale, Bake Sale & Spring Garden Store
American Sign Language interpretation will be provided at all performances.
What is May Day? Why do we celebrate it?
May Day is a traditional celebration of the peak of spring –the bursting forth of the crocus from the firm, cold Earth, new possibilities and ideas, and increasing sunshine! In the cycle of the year, May Day is the half-way point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Waldorf celebrates this time of the year by also honoring and designating it Grandparents (Grandfriends) Day.
>The festivities begin with the procession of the May King and Queen. Followed by singing, a spring themed play or skit by the 6th grade, recorder playing, and traditional sword and Maypole dancing follow. The Maypole dance has each participant holding a colored ribbon and weaving around the pole in traditional patterns creating beautiful designs. In one of the dances, the dancers alternate raising and lowering their ribbon creating an intricate and beautifully colored braid around the pole, thus adding spring color and merriment to the celebration. The conviviality is followed by a feast with friends, teachers, and family. Classroom booths also offer baked goods and plants for sale to raise funds for school trips and activities. The food sales of the day go to support the 8th grade’s gift to the school. A wonderful day to be had by all.
Written by Andrea Boehm, Waldorf School of Baltimore Parent
View photos of the May Day celebration.