The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-05-01

similar decorating of Christmas trees I and windows in the winter season; the May decorating only more glori- i fled because of the season. This early morning fetching of the haw- thorn or May flower was called ''bringing home the May a phrase quite opposite for so pretty a cus- tom. ~ In olden days the fairest maid of the village was chosen Queen of the May. This is still a practice and many schools and colleges celebrate each May-Day in this fashion, and lcolorful pageants with all manner of appropriate exercises are taking place throughout this country. And no May-Day is complete without its accompanying dance about the May pole. You may see this joyful play pageant on village green, in pubNc park or in private grounds. Practi- cal!y every community indulges in the custom.
 To go "a-Maying' Is simply an- other way of expressing some of the above mentioned early May morning pursuits, that is to say gathering the early wild blooms May differs according to locality. For instance in our southern states and mid-southern states there will be a greater profusion of flowers in May due to advanced vegetation. Right here in rigid New England May first yields about the earliest blossoms, that is to say, those that grow wild. An advanced season, however, brings the arbutus, also called in some To- calities the Mayfiower, in April, as is the case this year. Arbutus has been picked for two weeks or more. Then come the little white flowers also called Mayhowers, properly named anemones, and not far behind these are violets, cowslips and a host of other early woodland and field flowers.
 May-Day is also spoken of in an- other respect, the May-Day of life, meaning the early part or spring time of life, the heyday of life. so many pleasing allusions to May-Day and the month of May and it's hap py significance that it would be diff ficult to enumerate half of them. In a religious sense the month of May has deep significance. Each month has it's importance and is devoted to some special religious custom. May, appropriately, is dedicated to the Blessed Mother of God. No more beautiful month could be selected than May to give added homage to Mary. Hymns are sung in her honor and many impressive ceremo- nies take place within the church, ceremonies of fervor that are last ing in their effects and not transitory as is the passing joyful participation in the NMaypole dance.
 This year May first has been desig- mated as Child Health Day. The date is wise choice for such an ob- servance, because May suggests youth and the carefree spirit of childhood. and it is, moreover, as the poem goes, 'tie happiest day in all the year." Youth, springtime. May
 May is building her house. Of petal
 and blade, 1ss
 Of the roots of the oak, is the
 flooring made,
 With carpet of moses and lichen
 and clover,
 And tender, travelling green things
 strayed.
 May is building her house. From <, the dust of things
 She is making the songs and the flowers and the wings; From October's tossed and trodden
 gold
 She is making the young year out of
 theSold;
 Yea; out of winters flying sleet
 Shes is making all the summer
 sweet,
 And the brown leaves spurned of
 N6yember's feet
 She is changing back to springs"