May 01, 2026
The Story of a Card: Maypole
Happy May Day!
When I lived in Edinburgh, a highlight of the year would be the Beltane celebrations on Calton Hill on 1 May to welcome the dawn of Summer. This modern re-enactment of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual sees over 300 participants - many semi-naked and painted red or blue, others elaborately dressed as nymphs and goddesses - ritualistically frisking about on the hillside to the delight and amusement of all in attendance. Since we moved to East Sussex, we enjoy a similar vibe at the Hasting's Jack in the Green celebrations.
Beltane roughly translates as 'bright fire', and flames feature prominently in the festivities as a ritual of cleansing, to cast off the darkness of winter and to see in the brighter days of Summer. It is a moment for unbridled joy and revelry, a celebration of light, fertility, and creativity.
As a child we were taught to dance the Maypole in the school playground, and I loved it so much that one year I requested a birthday cake in its honour, complete with coloured ribbons and Jelly Baby dancers (top marks to my mum for that creative flex!)
Thomas Cromwell called them 'heathenish vanities' and many were destroyed under his watch, but Charles II reinstated them - the tallest was 130m on the Strand.
For me the maypole is the ultimate symbol of folk tradition, of freedom and delight, and a joyful card to send for many occasions and celebrations - a salutation in May, a party invitation perhaps, birthdays, thank yous...
Our Maypole card pairs beautifully with Audrey's colourful fondants, a box of decorative ribbons, or our Sherbet streamers to make a joyous gift.
Pair our Maypole card with these covetable fondant confections from Audrey's for a gorgeous gift.
Adorn your nearest apple tree with an outfit of ribbons this May! Perfect for quick party decoration, or just to make you smile as they flutter out of the window.
Hand-sewn & pleated crepe paper streamers for all your Summer celebrations.
Hand-coloured Bow decoration in Pistachio - or painted in a colour of your choice - to hang around the house for a bright note in a dark corner.
Whether you are revelling or relaxing this Mayday weekend, have a wonderful time!
Whether you are revelling or relaxing this Mayday weekend, have a wonderful time!
Jack in the Green photo credit: source unknown.
Beltane photo credit: Gordon Veitch.