Health & Fitness
May Day & Fairie Festivals
Celebrations that summer has arrived include traditions along with fairie wings & glitter.
May has been celebrated since ancient times as the beginning of summer, signaling increased activity, bountiful crops, and longer days. Flowers are blooming, birds and insects abound, animals have birthed - everywhere in Nature we see signs of abundance and growth.
May Day celebrations include dancing while wrapping colorful ribbons around a Maypole; crafts of flowers and herbs; and ceremonies to crown the “Queen of May.” They can be held on the 1st of May; or at the full moon; or mid-May, such as this week-end.
Adding a bit of magical fantasy, May Day is also known as a time when fairies arrive and entice humans to visit Faeryland, some never to return.
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Nowadays though, you can remain safely ensconced in the real world of Harford County, yet still visit "Faeryland." Outdoor Fairie Festivals create a world for us to celebrate a modern form of the ancient traditions, served with a large helping of fairie wings, glitter, and wands.
This year, the Maryland Fairie Festival moves its home to Darlington for the week-end. Modern May Day and Fairie festivals have evolved - but are still based on traditions with plenty of song & dance, a Maypole for the children, fire circles, and crafts. And of course, it's a great opportunity to don your wings!
