Winchester Thurston May Day Traditions
My nephew Crispian attends Winchester Thurston. This school has had in one form or another since the school founding a May Day celebration (oddly, this has never involved Labor Unions, Communists, or Witches observing Beltane). Currently the tradition is for the Kindergarteners and the Eighth graders, two classes about to enter into a new world of school and experiences. This form of the tradition is old enough at least that 20 of the 8th graders participated as Kindergarteners. The morning started with a May Pole dance. The Kindergarters and 8th graders processed from the school to the May Pole which was set up on the athletic field. The smaller children were told to wear something that made them feel special. This led to an interesting assortment of dress for them. Many of the girls were dressed like fairy princesses or flower girls. Some of the boys actually wore coats and ties. Crispian feels most special in his "beach shirt," something that makes him look totally cool, I might add. After some introductory music from the Lower School choir and orchestra, the May Pole dance began. Each Kindergartner was paired with their 8th grade "buddy." Their Buddy is a student that is matched with them at the beginning of the year and acts as their guide and a sort of mentor. Throughout the year they have activities they do together. First the K-ers danced. With the ribbons in hand they skipped up to the pole and then back again. It was so cute. The 8th graders actually go to do the actual weaving. When they were done the pole looked like this.
Following the May Pole Dance we were treated to the Spring Performance by Crispian's class and the other Kindergarten. Can you say cute? Pinch every one of their cheeks cute?
The teachers read a little in between the songs, which Kindergartners always sing enthusiastically, about spring and flowers and sunshine and puppy dogs. That is what Crispian got to be, a puppy dog. He was a fantastic puppy dog. He even panted with great and appropriate emotion.
Following the May Pole Dance we were treated to the Spring Performance by Crispian's class and the other Kindergarten. Can you say cute? Pinch every one of their cheeks cute?
The teachers read a little in between the songs, which Kindergartners always sing enthusiastically, about spring and flowers and sunshine and puppy dogs. That is what Crispian got to be, a puppy dog. He was a fantastic puppy dog. He even panted with great and appropriate emotion.
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