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

[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.