The Maypole Dance at Jefferson School
Jefferson Primary School first graders in the class of teachers Sharon Weider and Pattye Sweeney participated in May Day activities to kick-off the month.
“For centuries around the world the coming of spring has been celebrated with May Day festivities,” Mrs. Sweeney said. “The beautiful Maypole is decorated with ribbons and flowers and has been the centerpiece of May Day celebrations. The Maypole was very popular at the turn of the twentieth century when May Day was declared a play holiday for all school children.”
The teachers said that some believe that May Day celebrations date back to tree worship of the Druids in England, Ireland, and France. Others believe these rituals go back to the spring festivals of ancient Egypt and India.
The Jefferson youngsters had fun putting their own spin on May Day and the spring season, dancing around the Maypole, which was designed by Robert Schramm, the husband Margaret Schramm, a para-professional at the school who works with the first graders.
“Mrs. Schramm has enjoyed sharing this exciting activity with her class each year,” explained Mrs. Sweeney. The two teachers supplied spring colored straw hats for their students. The youngsters dressed up for the occasion and sang special songs.
The beauty of springtime took on new meaning when the students returned from the celebration to their classroom and were greeted by baby ducklings, which had hatched during the outdoor celebration.
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