Seeing as the Prowler always appreciates things romantic, historical and outdoorsy, it comes as no surprise this feline is in high spirits around May 1--May Day.
On the first day of this month, which many consider a time of nature's fertility and human amorousness, some European peoples celebrated with a variety of outdoor festivities. Leaving a surprise May Day bouquet or basket of flowers at your sweetie's door is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
An ancient Celtic tradition is lighting ceremonial bonfires for the holiday of Beltane--an alternate name for May Day. Fires were kindled with the wood of nine different trees and burned all day. Sometimes people leapt through the smoke or drove livestock around the flames, believing this to cleanse themselves and promote an abundant summer. This cat tends to shy away from fires after a nasty case of singed whiskers while camping!
Much safer is the idea of dancing around a Maypole. Traditionally made of birch, hawthorn or oak, the Maypole represents the renewed fertility of trees, and the ribbon-twirling dancers re-enact the spinning wooden spindle traditionally used to light Beltane fires. The experience of group dancing also gave revelers a feeling of communion with each other and with the earth.
Just as Los Gatos holds its annual Children's Christmas Parade, many communities in olden times (and some today) held a May Day parade in which a lucky girl was dressed in white, adorned with flowers and proclaimed the May Queen. Speaking of characters representing fertility, did you know that Lady Godiva's infamous ride in the buff is said to have occurred around May Day?
Even if one doesn't have a significant other with whom to gather flowers and go "a-maying," take heart: It's said that washing one's face in May Day morning dew promotes attractiveness and the fulfillment of a wish.
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This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, April 30, 1997.
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