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Monday, April 30, 2012

THE MERRY, MERRY MONTH OF MAY




Welcome to a new month, the merry month of May. With spring in full bloom, summer can't be far behind. Usually May brings sunshine and blue skies and May is the perfect time to enjoy glorious spring!
In the month of May many celebrations abound. Festivals, flower and fruit shows and our love affair with outdoor sports and family gatherings to name a few. 
One of my favorite customs, the maypole dance is celebrated by school children throughout western Europe and young children in school in America. A form of folk dance, this custom is traced as far back as the middle ages in western Europe. Ribbons are attached at the top of a pole under an umbrella of flowers. When music begins to play children dance in a circle around the pole weaving the ribbons over and under until the pole is covered with ribbon. Then the dance is reversed to unravel the ribbons. 
Spring and May is when I love to add a new welcome look to my home. I add a wreath to the front door to welcome guests and a touch of color with flowers on the porch. 



Maypole Dancers

Google Images






THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY
by: Thomas Dekker
       THE month of May, the merry month of May,
      So frolic, so gay, and so green, so green, so green!
      O, and then did I unto my true love say,
      Sweet Peg, thou shalt be my Summer's Queen.
       
      Now the nightingale, the pretty nightingale,
      The sweetest singer in all the forest quire,
      Entreats thee, sweet Peggy, to hear thy true love's tale:
      Lo, yonder she sitteth, her breast against a brier.
       
      But O, I spy the cuckoo, the cuckoo, the cuckoo;
      See where she sitteth; come away, my joy:
      Come away, I prithee, I do not like the cuckoo
      Should sing where my Peggy and I kiss and toy.
       
      O, the month of May, the merry month of May,
      So frolic, so gay, and so green, so green, so green;
      And then did I unto my true love say,
      Sweet Peg, thou shalt be my Summer's Queen.



 Welcome 
The Merry Month of May


Wreath from Pierre Deux



Ajonc and Bruyere
also known as "Gorse and Heather" decorate the wreath












Blue and White to say Welcome in the foyer
charger is a new addition I found at an estate sale 




Side Entry


Quimper Tiles to Welcome Guests




White Container with White Tulips







Petunias add a Touch of Color






Garden Gate 
Entrance to  The Back Yard

confederate jasmine 


Impatiens add color to the garden gate




ivy trails across the fence and gate


My elementary school always celebrated "May Day,"with a celebration in the park with a picnic lunch and maypole dance. It is a memory I cherish.  
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59 comments:

  1. Vores haveApril 30, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Nice picture you show.
    Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk

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  2. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiApril 30, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Happy Merry Month of May to you, Emily! This will be a special may for me as my daughter's wedding will take place in a few weeks.

    May was always celebrated as Mary's special month in my elementary school and we girls would dress in our Communion veils and have a parade around the school block as we carried flowers and and sang hymns.

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  3. SmilingSallyApril 30, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    Yes I did celebrate May 1 by dancing around the flagpole with colorful ribbons! You're the first one to mention it in years. What fun we children had that day, making a beautiful pole of pastel colors! I love your blues.

    Happy Blue Monday, Emily.

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  4. black eyed susans kitchenApril 30, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    Happy May Day (a day early) Emily!! What fun and festive pictures these are. I have always wanted to join in on a celebration like this, but I have not yet found one at the Jersey Shore (lol). Love the wreath...it is perfect on the red door. Have a wonderful week.
    ♥, Susan

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  5. Ann PorteousApril 30, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    Yes I love May Day.. that is my daughter's birthday and this year she is 6! we made our own maypole and cannot wait to see all the kids dancing around!!
    Love your photos!

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  6. xinexApril 30, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    You have such a beautiful home and garden, Emily. I watch Maypole dancers during ad antebellum house tour in St. Francisville and it was very interesting....Christine

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  7. Barbara F.April 30, 2012 at 5:49 PM

    Beautiful photos as always, Emily! I remember celebrating May Day in elementary school in the lower grades. xo

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  8. joyh82April 30, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Beautiful post! I can't believe it will be May tomorrow either. I remember doing the May poll dance in elementary school..went to Catholic grade school :)

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  9. ~Lavender Dreamer~April 30, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I am SO ready for May...one of the best months for me! Love your post! Lots of pretty flowers and decor! It's nice when there's lots of sunshine for photo taking! Enjoy your week!

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  10. OliveApril 30, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Dear Emily, I have no memories of May day but it is such a sweet innocent celebration and am all for it. Your front door is splendid and I am an urn freak so love your urns (just did a post on southern urns and porches). The Quimper tiles are gorgeous too. many hugs, olive

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  11. helen tilstonApril 30, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Hello Emily

    I love how your have decorated your front door. Just beautiful.

    Like you and your readers I love the month of May and in Ireland as a young girl, we awaited the cuckoo song. Beautiful memories

    Helen xx

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  12. AnnesphamilyApril 30, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Yes we all celebrated May Day! In recent years it is custom to put a bouquet of flowers on a neighbors front door and ring the bell and ran away so it will be a secret surprise!
    Loved your beautiful photos.

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  13. JillApril 30, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Hi Emily, As always, everything you post is so lovely. My five grandchildren will celebrate with a Maypole dance next week. Each class gets a turn to dance around the Maypole and at the end of the Maypole dances, the adults are invited to join in. And yes, we had a May pole festival at my elementary school. Those are such wonderful memories and I was so delighted to see your post. I love visiting. Jill

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  14. Chubskulit RoseApril 30, 2012 at 10:41 PM

    So beautiful!

    My BLUE entry. Have a great week!

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  15. LorrieApril 30, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    Hard to believe it's almost May. Time goes by so quickly. Lovely photos.

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  16. Miss KittyMay 1, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing those facts about May day and the pictures of May pole dancers (not to be confused with regular pole dancers). I loved seeing the pictures of your lovely wreath, your pretty flowers, and your garden. I saw your post over at "Thrifty Treasures Party".

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  17. PondsideMay 1, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    When we lived in Germany the children went around early in the morning and attached little 'May presents' to one another's doors. They were usually little paper cones filled with goodies - such a sweet custom.

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  18. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMay 1, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    Oh my...the wreath is gorgeous and our property is amazing...I heart, heart your front door.....

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  19. Leah H.May 1, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    Lovely photos and oh, so Merry!

    Visiting for Blue Monday- hope you can stop by:)

    http://dsahmblogs.com/2012/04/my-made-in-philippines-slide-sandals.html

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  20. Maria ElenaMay 1, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    Just beautiful! The wreath is gorgeous!

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  21. Karen LakisMay 1, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    I remember dancing around the Maypole in elementary school. I didn't know many schools still did that. Thank you for these pictures!

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  22. Kathy WalkerMay 1, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Thank you for sharing the bit of history! Love your beautiful wreath.

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  23. Alison @ The PolohouseMay 1, 2012 at 5:18 PM

    So many beautiful areas to comment on, Emily!
    Love your French wreath. So many pretty textures and layers.
    I am always lusting after your back yard and the trailing roses you have there. Such a magical place.
    Thanks so much for showing off your lovely home and your front door decor today.

    Loved seeing it!
    xoxox
    Alison

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  24. Pat@Back Porch MusingsMay 1, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    Beautiful homage to the Merry Merry Month of May, Emily.

    I love the blue and white in your foyer. Everything is just gorgeous.

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  25. Ricki TreleavenMay 1, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    Emily, I am loving this post! Happy May Day to you!!! :D Your home and gardens are so pretty and welcoming. I love the way you have decorated for spring. Your wreath is *gorgeous* I agree with Alison...your home is magical!

    xo,
    RJ

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  26. Faye May 1, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Beautiful photos! Love your front door and wreath. Yes, I have fond memories of May Day as a child. We made paper May Baskets, decorated, and we were supposed to hang them on the front door, ring the door bell and hide (as a surprise to our mothers). That is still so clear in my mind. And I do recall dancing around a Maypole way back.
    Happy May Day!
    Faye

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  27. BabsMay 1, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    I love your red door all decorated for May Day. Great theme for the wreath. The beautiful ribbon reminds me of the May Pole ribbons,and the charger in your foyer is GORGEOUS! It looks like you're ready for the merry month of May. :)
    Babs

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  28. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMay 1, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Everything looks beautiful, inside and out!! LOVE your wreath and beautiful entry hall!

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  29. Magical Mystical TeacherMay 1, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    My goodness, you celebrate May Day in a big way!

    Navajo Doll

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  30. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 1, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Emily, We never celebrated it but we did see a May Day celebration in Germany with the children dancing around the pole. Everything is so pretty and I love the wreath.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  31. AnonymousMay 1, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    Hi Emily and happy May Day! I have never been anywhere that May Day was celebrated but when my daughter and her husband lived in England, their little town did and even had the May pole in the center of town.
    Your red door and wreath is so pretty! Your gardens and plants are lovely. Thank you so much for your kind comments about my little felt ornies.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia :)

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  32. Light and VoicesMay 1, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    I love that charger you found at an estate sale. Very nice photos this week.
    Joyce M

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  33. AnonymousMay 2, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Oh my goodness, you brought back such great memories. When I was in elementary school in the 1960s, we celebrated each May Day and yes we danced around the pole, weaving the ribbons as we danced. It was soooo much fun!

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  34. SarahMay 2, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Happy May Day! I have fond memories of dancing around the May Pole when I was in first and second grade. We had pretty spring dresses for the occasion. It was a big deal back in the 50s. Your wreath is perfect. So miss PD. ~ Sarah

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  35. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️May 2, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    Beautiful pictures. I love your wreath.

    Dee

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  36. Savannah GrannyMay 2, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    Emily, May has definitely arrived at your beautiful home. I love your front entry, so lush and elegant. My Jasmine is blooming as well, Oh, the aroma. As we sit on the porch we can smell the sweet breeze of Jasmine from the rear of the house.
    Your garden is looking great, love the day lily pic.
    Have a great week.
    Blessings,

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  37. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMay 3, 2012 at 7:33 AM

    Gorgeous! I love that wreath on your front door; it looks stunning especially with your urns. Love the back door, too, with its flower pocket.

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  38. AnnMay 3, 2012 at 9:23 AM

    Yes I can remember in 5th grade having a May Day Celebration and having a May Pole. Fantastic memory. Your front door wreath is lovely--makes me feel like MAY. Every other entrance is gorgeous. Beautiful colors everywhere.
    Ann

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  39. SoutherncookMay 3, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    Beautiful home and beautiful photos. I recently saw some antique Quimper and fell in love, haven't started a collection yet since it is quite an expensive hobby. I have never been fond of some of the modern day Quimper but when I saw antique Quimper, OMG the bells and whistles went off in my head. Hopefully my soon to be newest collection. I am anxious to cruise through your blog and enjoy what you have shared. Love those Quimper welcoming tiles, what a clever idea and this is my first time participating in your blogging party.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  40. KathyMay 3, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    Hello Emily - your entrance is fantastic! A beautiful welcome to spring and to May! I love your hanging basket - I'd love to begin collecting Quimper - it is gorgeous!
    I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  41. Ivy and ElephantsMay 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Emily your pictures are so fabulous. Clearly I have some gardening to do. I am so inspired. The phots of the may pole dancers aer wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Paula

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  42. c. JoyMay 3, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    You have inspired me. Your pictures/posts are comforting. Have a great week.

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  43. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Yes, we celebrated May Day the same way in elementary school!
    Beautiful pictures.

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  44. JessicaMay 3, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    Love the May Pole dancers! very nice :)

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  45. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageMay 4, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Happy May, Emily! I love the month of May and that's why we got married in May! I love the ivy trailing over your fence and your red door is stunning! Thank you for sharing a wee peek at your home. It's lovely! Enjoy the weekend and Happy Pink Saturday!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  46. UnknownMay 4, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    Oh, yes we did the Maypole ... & we made May baskets to leave on neighbors doors to greet them on May 1st. What fun to watch their delighted faces.

    Beautiful home, gorgeous wreath.

    TTFN ~
    Have a beautiful weekend ~
    Marydon

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  47. Francie...The Scented Cottage StudioMay 4, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    Not only beautiful but so inviting ! We lived in New England for a few years when I was a child and we did celebrate May Day, we made and gave May Day baskets and even had a Maypole.
    Happy Pink Saturday !

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  48. UnknownMay 4, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    This brings back memories...
    I would love if you link this Monday to the French party! My readers would love it!

    Bisous
    Frenchy
    http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/

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  49. Judith @ Lavender CottageMay 4, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Hello Emily
    A stunning wreath on your front door! So much colour and shades of green in your garden, soon ours will come alive too.
    Happy May!
    Judith

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  50. Country Wings in PhoenixMay 4, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Happy Pink Saturday Sweetie...
    What a beautiful filled memory share today. When I was in High School, when the seniors did their walk, the sophomores and junior girls would wind the May pole while they walked. It was called May Fete. Was so beautiful next to Springs Park where the spring ran through. It was a lot of fun.

    Your share today pulled that memory from my mind. I love it. Thank you sweet friend.

    Loved your photos and your ivy is gorgeous and I love your door. How pretty it looks for the merry month of May.

    Have a glorious weekend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  51. Marti McClureMay 4, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    The elementary school my children attended hosted a maypole dance every year - they are so beautiful to watch. I love your photos! Happy Pink Saturday. ~Marti

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  52. CharoMay 4, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    What a beautiful entrance! Also a beautiful post! Happy Pink Saturday!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  53. J.Rylie.CMay 4, 2012 at 8:00 PM

    Looks so much fun!

    My Pink, I am also inviting you to link up with my color Connection meme.

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  54. Clara May 5, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    You brought back fond memories. We walked around a May pole when I was in grade school. Beautiful entrance and wreath. Thank you for sharing.
    ~Clara

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  55. Decor To AdoreMay 5, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    Oh I love this! May Day! Pretty sweet pink touches.

    Happy pink Saturday, Happy Derby Day and ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

    Please stop by and enter my celebrate spring/moms giveaway.

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  56. Chubskulit RoseMay 5, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    My Pink, have a great weekend!

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  57. AnonymousMay 5, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    Well, I thought you got me on your red door and wreath, but you touched my heart with your shabby chic bucket of tulips. I could stay are your house and linger in the back garden for several hours at a time. What a wonderful world you surround yourself in. Blessings Terri

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  58. JessicaMay 6, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    what a beautiful month of May to celebrate, great pictures :-) Dropping by from BM

    http://adventurousjessy.blogspot.com/2012/04/we-bought-new-pool-solar-cover.html

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  59. UnknownMay 13, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Thanks so much for linking, There is another one going on right now...I would love to see you there.
    Happy Mother's day!
    Bisous,
    Isabelle

    ReplyDelete