May Day
"Guinevere's Maying" by John Collier
May 1st, in ancient times, was celebrated as the beginning of summer. Some of the roots stem from Pagen celebrations, some from religious rites, and some just for fun and romance. When I was a child, we used to make woven baskets from strips of construction paper, fill them with wild-flowers, and surprise the neighbors. We'd hang the pretty basket on door knobs, ring the bell or knock, and quickly run away. It was a child's spring ritual that might be worth a second look. Good neighbors are a true blessing, but it is far less common these days to actually have close ties with them, or for some, even to know their names.
(For more information on the ancient reasons and rituals behind May Day, visit the site below:)
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/mayday.html
"Love Thy Neighbor"
This is a fairly well known phrase taken from the Christian Bible: Love thy neighbor as thyself.
I think this implies that we are supposed to "love" ourselves, a concept that some might see as selfish, or for lack of a healthy self-esteem, impossible. But why not? I am lovable, and so are you! A natural extension of self-love is to love others and to show it.
Your closest neighbors may be the next person you reach out to in a time of need, or who will knock on your door with a need of their own. Rather than letting it come to an emergency or needing a favor, why not use May Day as a time to make a positive gesture that will make you feel good all over?
The weaving of paper-strip baskets or construction paper cones will appeal to children. I am betting you'd enjoy it, too. Fill them with real or silk flowers, ring the bell and run. Or knock and hand it to your neighbor in person.
It is some of the simplest gestures in life that make a positive difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.
I wish each of you a happy May Day : )
U-tip: Be a good neighbor whenever you can.
What are the ways you have met your neighbors? Are there special things you do for one another?
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