Halloween Artists Newsletter - May 2008
The origins of the May Day celebrations appeared in
pre-Christian Europe, as in the Celtic celebration of
Beltane. In rural regions of Germany, Walpurgisnacht
celebrations of Pagan origin are traditionally held on the
night before May Day, including bonfires and the wrapping of
maypoles. A more secular version of the holiday continues to
be observed in the schools and churches of Europe well into
the 20th century. May Day may be best known for its
tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen
of the May.
May Day was a traditional summer holiday in many
pre-Christian European pagan cultures. While February 1 was
the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer;
hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was
Midsummer. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century
is the giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets
and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors'
doorsteps.
Also in May, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a larger importance
in the US than in Mexico; it is a day to celebrate the
culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry.
Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture,
especially in its music and regional dancing.
To celebrate May, HA31 artists are having another Art
Challenge! It's all about POOKAS! According to legend,
the phooka is an adroit shape changer, capable of assuming a
variety of forms. It may appear as a horse, rabbit, goat,
goblin, or dog. It most commonly takes the form of a sleek
black horse with a flowing mane and glowing yellow eyes.
If a human is enticed onto a pooka's back it has been known
to give them a wild ride but will do the unfortunate rider
no real harm. The Pooka has the power of human speech, and
has been known to give advice and lead people away from
danger. Though the pooka enjoys confusing and often
terrifying humans, it is considered to be benevolent.
Perhaps the most famous pooka was Harvey, in the movie of
the same name starring Jimmy Stewart. There is a humorous
scene in which Mr. Wilson, the asylum orderly, reads the
definition of pooka in the encyclopedia: "Pooka. From old
Celtic mythology. A fairy spirit in animal form. Always very
large. The pooka appears here and there, now and then, to
this one and that one at his own caprice. A benign but
mischievous creature. Very fond of rum-pots, crackpots, and
how are you, Mr. Wilson?"
Search ebay for keywords HA31 and Pooka
beginning the week of May 15 for unique and unusual
ornaments by our talented artists!
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Till next month, have a Happy and Artsy May!
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