May Day is a time of celebration and renewal, marking the arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings. One of the most beloved traditions associated with May Day is the decoration of the May bush, a symbol of fertility, growth, and the natural world.
In many cultures, the May bush is associated with fairy folklore and the Otherworld, a mystical realm inhabited by magical creatures and spirits. It is said that the fairies are particularly active during the month of May, and the May bush is seen as a portal or gateway to their realm.
The Tullow Road Community Development Group in Carlow is keeping this cultural event alive by decorating May bushes around the Tullow Road area. This activity helps to preserve the traditional customs and beliefs associated with May Day and connects people to the natural world and its rhythms.
Decorating the May bush is a way of celebrating the changing of the seasons and the return of life to the natural world. It is a time to honor the beauty and abundance of the earth, and to express gratitude for the gifts that it provides.
The decorations used for the May bush are typically colorful and cheerful, reflecting the joy and exuberance of the season. Ribbons, flowers, leaves, and other natural materials are often used to create a festive and whimsical display, inviting people to stop and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.
By participating in the May Day festivities and decorating May bushes, we can connect with our ancestors and their beliefs, and honor the natural world and its cycles. We can also come together as a community to celebrate the joy and beauty of life, and to create a sense of shared purpose and belonging.
So let us join the Tullow Road Community Development Group and celebrate May Day by decorating May bushes in our own communities, and keep this cultural event alive for future generations.
We got to dress up 5 May trees this year at, Lidl roundabout, Dereen Heights, Riverview Close, John Sweeney and Willow park. We’ve added a pop of colour around the Tullow Road area doing this folklore tradition. Thanks to everyone who came out and decorated one. Well done.
