I’ve been awandering all the night, And the best part of the day. Now I’m returning home again. I bring you a branch of May.
A branch of May, my love, I say As at your door I stand; It’s nothing but a sprout, but it’s well budded out By the work of the Lord’s own hand.
My song is done and I must be gone, I can no longer stay; God bless you all, both great and small And send you a joyful May.
—”The May Day Carol”
Many folks associate “The May Day Carol” with Jean Ritchie. You can hear her sing it here.
I learned the song at the annual Mountain Folk Festival held at Berea College in Kentucky. For many years the girls and I traveled each spring with John C. Campbell Folk School to dance and enjoy fellowship with other folks interested in keeping traditional dance and music alive in Appalachia. We always had a grand time.
On the last night of the festival we gathered together as a group to share things we’d learned and to dance with surrounding community members. The evening started with all the participants entering the auditorium dancing the Gisburn Processional carrying branches of May. We also sung “The May Day Carol.”
It was a wonderful way to end the festival and a very moving experience to join with others while continuing the traditions of our elders.
Last night’s video: The Family History & Stories of Opal Corn Myers 18.
Tipper
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I adore this beautiful poem and yeah I’d travel to Berea to read and soak in beauty in words and fellowship from likeminded, contemplative, upbeat souls interested in Art and aesthetics in all its lovely forms… just lovely and thanks for the share, dear lady friend!
THAT IS BEAUTIFUL! I have never heard of that! Happy Mother’s day, Tipper! To you and Granny too. And those two wonderful young mom’s Cory and Katie!
I remember in the 5th grade we had a May festival at school in south Louisiana and we did a May pole dance. I still have pictures somewhere. I had not thought of it for many years til I saw the picture you posted. We all felt so special. Thanks for the reminder.
Enjoyed the May Day Carol. The quake was a different than normal house popping ,slight rumble. Little more than 2 hours south of you .
How beautiful! I have never heard that song or tradition until today. Thank you for sharing.
This is a beautiful song. I have never heard of it but I like it very much. Thanks for sharing it and your memories of the folk festival in Kentucky. Sounds like a wonderful experience.
I heard there was a little shaking goin on over there in your area. Did you feel it?
Ed-there was! Seemed like a longer shaking than the earthquakes I’ve felt in the past. Did you feel it?
I didn’t feel it but my son-in-law did. I’m so shaky sometimes that I could go through a 4.0 and think it was just me.
We had a 3.0 magnitude earthquake Tuesday, May 7 here in south central Virginia.
Going by the news, it was said it could be felt in Greenville, SC, but I didn’t notice it.
Never heard “The May Day Carol ” before, it’s quite lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I love that!
Tipper, my people are in the mountains southeast of Berea. We call it ‘Brear’. I love to visit there, but have never been to the festival. I love all the little shops downtown. I bought my lap harp in one of them.
Do they still have this festival?
Debbie-I tried to see if they were still having it and couldn’t find a sure answer. I hope they are 🙂 We were there for the 75th year.
Are you talking about Berea KY?
I’d never heard that song or tradition until now. It is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us.