Mono Monday Tradition

Well, I did indeed rise early. Down to Ickwell village for about 6.15 in time to see the Morris Men gathering for their 1st of May traditional dawn welcome.
They are appearing later in the day, before and after the school children take part in the various traditions and march from the adjacent village.
I danced there myself as a child and I don’t expect the format has changed much in the intervening 50 years.
Including the rain. Another reason why I went to the early performance it’s now on and off raining.

Taken from The Friendship Book - a thought for each day 2023
Written by Vivien Brown

It’s a centuries-old tradition, nowadays not often seen,
But they’re setting up a maypole here on the village green.
The children from the school arrive, spring flowers in their hair,
And they skip around in circles, holding ribbons in the air.
The music and their dainty feet make such a lovely sound 
As they weave strands into patterns; over, under, through and round.
The dance is done, the children smile and curtsey to the crowd.
The maypole’s decked in colour. The applause is long and loud.

Mono Monday. Some extras too if you care to look.