Up the May!

Happy May Day, everyone. Alas, out here in Devon and Cornwall all the usual May Day festivities have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown. There's no Obby Oss on the streets of Padstow, no Border Morris dancers bringing the sun up on Dartmoor, no maypoles, no lusty Jack-in-the-Greens. How will the seasons turn without them?

Tilly and I had our own private ceremony this morning, blessing the green in our own quiet way -- and we send that blessing from Dartmoor to each of you. Up the May!

The images above are from previous May Days: Howard dancing the Obby Oss down the high street of Chagford, with a Jack-in-Green close behind; and dancing the willow frame of the Jack around a Beltane fire. (To see more photos, go here.) 

The art below is from village neighbours: Moor Maiden by Virginia Lee and two Green Women by Brian Froud. Despite the lockdown and physical distancing, we are still a community. We are dancing in spirit.