by Kirby Lindsay, originally posted 23 April 2012
On Tuesday, May 1st, Fremont Arts Council (FAC) members, friends, and family (and Fremonsters of all sizes and stripes) can gather at Lower Woodland Park for the traditional May Day celebration, Arts Council style! The annual celebration of spring, fertility and fellowship transforms an otherwise average spring evening into something magical.
For a second year, Rodman Miller has stepped in as organizer – a role he has committed to in addition to his recent election as FAC Board President. Miller will bring a wealth of experience to the May Day celebration – as a past organizer and participant. For this year he has promised to, “try to get more games in there!”
Games, Grub and A Dance
Participants (for May Day, as with most FAC events, does not allow for people to simply spectate) can gather starting at 5p for games. “Games for the kids to play,” Miller promised, “and games for the adults.” Miller recalled that Simon Neale has previously organized a tug-of-war, with at least one friendly competition of men vs. women. Miller also mentioned bag races, three-legged races, and assorted other field games, all played on the broad green fields of Lower Woodland and done simply for the joy of the game.
This all leads up to, and sets the mood for, the traditional and vaguely chaotic May Pole weaving. “It’s beautiful,” Miller reported, “just ideal. It weaves the community together.” Dancers weave their ways around a giant may pole, holding the end of a colored ribbon and skipping playfully in and out of the other dancers. Together, the gathered throng will build a long, colorful braid that symbolizes the strong bond built within this community.
A potluck meal follows the May Pole dance, at approximately 6:30p. Miller wanted the time made clear. Those who arrive at 5p need to wait to eat. “The potluck is meant to be eaten after,” the dance, he stated, although some snacking can take place. The problem occurs if communal dishes get opened early and lead the gathered to think the food won’t wait. So please, come ready to wait, or bring a snack to tide you, and your family, over.
Going With The Green Man, And The Beltane Fire
Never fear, a meal will happen – and a Green Man will be chosen. “There is always a Green Man,” Miller explained, and “there is always a mystery [as to] how he gets selected. Sometimes the maidens get together…” Sometimes a man in love asks to be chosen, to propose to his May Queen. Sometimes a significant volunteer is selected for the honor. Miller also mentioned past contests held to select an eligible (single) candidate, but he would rather not resort to that. “I prefer the mystery,” he said, and having a name put forward for whatever reason, and the honor being bestowed.
There is one criteria that must be observed, Miller did insist, “he must be eligible.” The Green Man must be single, and available to spend the evening of the celebration as escort to the May Queen. She will be an eligible maiden – also single – as no room will be given at May Day for jealous spouses or (temporarily) spurned partners.
Another tradition the FAC observes, as part of its May Day celebration, is the Beltane Fire. “This is a very well-contained fire,” Miller described, and in the evening, after the meal, participants can choose to leap over it as a seal to a vow.
“Traditionally,” Miller explained, “this is the day that one makes commitments for a year.” Vows can be personal, or about a specific loved one. The leap over the fire can be made solo, or in partnership with a loved one, a close friend or a sympathetic stranger. According to Miller, the fire seals the leapers commitment to the vow – but only for a year.
Weave It Together
“It’s a nice celebration,” Miller said, and a way to mark the end of the colder season. Among the FAC, the celebration reestablishes friendships and other relationships, at a time of year when many in the organization will launch grand collaborations and build a cooperative effort to bring the Solstice Parade to the street of Fremont. Also, “it celebrates fertility and rebirth,” Miller said, “It’s kind of sexy. How can you not like that?”
“I would encourage everyone to come weave their lives into ours,” Miller invited. The family-friendly celebration is open to all, be they paid FAC members or Fremonsters-in-general. Bring food for the potluck, dress in white and flowers, and enter into the magical spirit of spring with the FAC.
Thank you to John Cornicello Photography for the photos from past FAC May Day celebrations.
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©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.