May is a magical month, happily bookended by two long weekends – May Day and the Spring Bank Holiday – both steeped in ancient folklore, religious significance and sunshine (hopefully). While May Day maintains its recognised celebrations of Morris dancers and maypoles, there's no longer much of a fuss at the end of the month.
Whit Monday, as it was known until the early 1970s, marked a break in the farming year with different counties upholding their own traditions. Fairs, parades and pageants were thrown to honour the occasion, special dishes prepared, and white dresses worn to church and gatherings. We think it is high time we brought back a little Whitsun spirit and celebrated the final flourish of spring before we embrace summer proper. Make the most of the long…
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The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, May 2024