May Day Festvial

May Day is a special time for our students and community. May 1st falls between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The origins of the May Day holiday can be traced back to Roman celebrations held at the end of April in honor of Flora, the goddess of flowers.

In modern times, this day is well known for its Maypole dances and crowning of “Lady Spring.” Other traditions include May Baskets, which are small baskets filled with flowers that are delivered in secret to a neighbor's doors. The maypole is a tall wooden pole erected with long colored ribbons hanging from the top and decorated with greenery and flowers. Dancers skip around the pole, weaving the ribbons into a spiral or elaborate pattern that is briefly seen before disappearing as the dance is reversed.

With excitement and joy, elementary and middle school students present sharings from many different cultures. Parents, caregivers, early childhood students, alums, and friends of WSL gather to celebrate spring together, in community. This festival is an opportunity to revel in the beauty of the natural world, and of the greater woven tapestry that connects us all.