The May Pole on the bike path

[genevra-mcneil.livejournal.com]

So, as one of the local pagan-types, I think that the May Pole on the bike path (near Willow) was just a beautiful and lovely tradition and I was so glad to see it when it went up in May. But now that Samhain (Halloween, to you muggles) is just about here, it is probably time to think about taking it down, what do you think? It's come untied, the fabric ribbons are getting ratty -- I'd rather remember it as the beautiful and whimsical signpost on the path rather than as a decrepit and ugly mouldering piece of public art gone awry.

That said, unless there are strenuous (and logical) objections, I volunteer to take it down on Nov. 1, if the folks who put it up don't want to. (Or at least to try -- I may need to rent a ladder...)

Comments

[mzrowan.livejournal.com]

That's a really good idea! I wish I had a ladder to lend you. ;-)

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

What a perfect way to celebrate the new year! I have several engagements that day, but if this could happen before 3 PM, I would like to assist you!

[redheadedmuse.livejournal.com]

This isn't a strenuous objection, but most Pagan traditions I know of that use a Maypole leave the ribbons on the old pole until the following beltaine, when they are cut off and distributed as fertility charms to anyone present who wants to conceive a baby, or benefit from less literal fertility in life.

I had noticed that the ribbons on our neighborhood pole had come untied. :(

[genevra-mcneil.livejournal.com]

I love the *idea* of leaving it up until Beltane, but I think the weather of pastoral England is kinder to may poles than the weather here in Somerville. It's already so bedraggled that I shudder to think what a winter of snow storms, drunk college students, and wind will do. Also, in that tradition, the old pole is usually added to a bonfire. While that's cool, I think the Mayor might object :)

I'd be happy to have help -- we could do it at (say) 11 o'clock in the morning. I'd even be happy to save some of the ribbons for fertility charms -- email me offline if you want some. (genevramcneil [at] gmail [dot] com)

[redheadedmuse.livejournal.com]

I have done the beltaine to beltaine maypole thing locally. But it's true that it won't stay pretty all year, and now seems like a fine time to take it down. I am out of town celebrating Samhain, but I will let my kids and husband know your plan in case they want to help.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

The way I've heard it is not to UNTIE the ribbons.

If the ribbons are made with natural fiber, a typical use is to have the maypole become the yule log.

[genevra-mcneil.livejournal.com]

To whoever took the May Pole down last night: Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing it again next Beltane!

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU!!!

[tanaes.livejournal.com]

Thanks for taking the ribbons down for us!

We had a wonderful time dancing them around the pole at Beltaine, and were so very glad to hear that the bright colors were enjoyed by others over the summer. We were a bit surprised that our attempt at guerilla Maypoling remained *ahem* erect for so long!

I had been planning on removing the ribbons on Samhain, but instead found myself stricken with the flu all weekend. Many thanks to the kind spirit who took it upon themselves.

Best wishes, and see you come Spring,
Your Merry Maypolers

[djdreilinger.livejournal.com]

Hey guys—I'd love to find out who that Maypole maintenance man* is. I am a journalist (http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2009/10/our_intrepid_somerville_corres.html). I am not a schmuck. Message me or email djdreilinger /at/ comcast /dot/ net.


* whatever, I couldn't resist the alliteration.