Friday, April 28th marked the celebration of our annual May Day Festival! The morning began with SWS students excitedly entering our school with flowers in their arms. “Happy May Day!” was heard throughout the hallways. May Day is one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the year and one could feel the joy permeating the air.
May Day is an ancient festival that lands about halfway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. It’s one of the many festivals we celebrate in Waldorf education that honors the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. Students spend weeks learning May Day songs and dances with SWS Music teacher, Nina Radanovic. This year, our grades students began their day by carefully making their Flower Crowns while parents decorated the school.
It is always our hope to celebrate May Day outside on our playground but, unfortunately, the weather had other plans this year. May Day celebrations began with our early childhood students. Stepping Stone nursery students entered the gym singing songs of spring. They gathered around the Maypole and, with a parent by their side, danced and sang around the Maypole. Kindergarteners were next and, led by their teachers, did an amazing job!
“Spring is coming, spring is coming, birdies build your nest
Weave together straw and feather, doing each your best.
Spring is coming, spring is coming, flowers are coming too,
Pansies, lilies, daffodillies, now are coming through.”
Later in the day, the 7th-grade orchestra, led by SWS Orchestra teacher Michael Cameron, welcomed all as the procession of students led by 8th-graders entered the gym. The festivities began with SWS 5th and 6th-graders performing the North Skeleton Sword Dance and SWS 8th graders performing the Stick and Bucket Dance. It was time to dance around the Maypole! Students gathered around the Maypole proudly wearing their flower crowns, chose a ribbon, and danced and sang in celebration. The gym was filled with laughter, joy, and a felt sense of community. Happy May Day from your friends at Susquehanna Waldorf School!
