May Day the "Friendly" way

By Denáe Brewer
Editor-in-chief

Bobbing for apples, a water balloon toss and hula hooping ushered in spring as the children and parents at the New Friendly Daycare celebrated May Day, a worldwide event on May 1.

“This is fun!” giggled Ana-Leah Young as she awkwardly tried to keep a hula-hoop spinning around her waist.

Parental participation is one of the things that made the day fun. “It was nice to connect with the children,” said Rhonda Morris, whose daughter, Alyah, attends the academy. “It’s good to take some time off to spend a day playing with the kids.”

“This is truly a joyous occasion,” said Annie Chisolm, former administrative director of the daycare. “We were able to get the kids and parents out here together and share in the experience.”

Cindy Becoate, whose son is enrolled in the daycare, expressed her pleasure. “It’s not just a day off. You don’t get that much time to spend with the kids during the week so this is fun.”

In countries like England, Mexico, Chile and Poland, May Day is akin to Labor Day in the United States. In recent years, labor activists have marked the day with protests against their government’s labor tactics, often leading to violent clashes between protesters and the police.

However, May Day is also a peaceful holiday, celebrating the fertility and growth that is associated with spring. Revelers often dress in medieval garb, reminiscent of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Children dance around the Maypole — usually a tree — wrapping it in various colored ribbons while they sing songs. People create May Day baskets filled with flowers and give them to their neighbors.

Ms. Chisolm, who helped organize the event, hails from Charleston, South Carolina. She said, “This is actually somewhat of a big deal in the South. I thought it would be a good idea to introduce it to these youngsters.”

Each of the five classes sang songs while parents gladly lent a helping hand. Ms. Morris was called up on do some artistic face painting. “I’m not a pro at this,” she said pointing at the purple balloons and flowers she created, “but the kids seem to love it.”

Kitty Sutton, administrative director of the daycare, was pleased with the day’s turnout. “The rain stopped and the children were able to show us all what they’ve learned. They’re happy and that’s what matters most.”