It is May Day! In the past Maypole Dances took place in downtown Omena! That’s right, young and old, Native Americans, summer people and locals. They all gathered for refreshments and to weave in and out around a pole in the center of town creating a symbol of the change of seasons.

Swedish scholar Carl Wilhelm von Sydow stated that Maypoles were erected simply as “a sign that the happy season of warmth and comfort had returned,” of the return of summer. It’s a custom that’s been going on for over 2,000 years.

How does a Maypole get created? The pattern the dancers should keep in mind is over, under, over, under, over, under..

On the count of “over”, the dancer raises his ribbon slightly so the dancer coming in the opposite direction can duck under his ribbon.

On the count of “under” the dancer ducks under the ribbon of the dancer coming in the opposite direction.

The dance can be done walking, but skipping is preferable. I know! It is hard to picture, isn’t it? But Sally and David Viscochil organized not just one May Day, but many about 50 years ago.

Perfect Symbol of Omena

In a way, it’s the perfect symbol of Omena. Despite historic competition between 2 stores, two churches, and three gas stations; despite the diversity among our population over the years: the hermit Roch Tabernshaski , the bootleggers, the Jesuit retreat center Villa Marquette, retired civil war general Benjamin Grierson , and a Buddhist Monk; despite some staying and some leaving for the winter, we all get along. Little as we are, we like each other, and we always have. In these divisive times, with the world seeming to be torn apart by war and disease, it’s good to remember our heritage.

Thanks to Sally Viscochil, and Wikipedia