May Day, a celebration that originated as a ritual for welcoming spring, used to be recognized by elementary schools across Canada and the Powell River area. Currently, only James Thomson Elementary School continues on with the ancient tradition locally.
“All of the elementary schools in Powell River used to celebrate it,” said James Thomson principal Jasmin Marshman. “We’re the only school still doing it.”
Celebrations at the school begin Friday, May 19, at 9:15 am with a parade along Sutherland Avenue. According to Marshman, the parade includes vintage cars, Tla’amin Nation drummers, a pipe band and delegates from various levels of government.
“We have lots of people join us,” said Marshman. “We have the mayor and our MLA; there are also representatives from School District 47.”
After the parade, students, staff and volunteers gather for May Day ceremonies, including a maypole dance, said Marshman.
“The maypole is basically a tall pole with ribbons attached to it,” said Marshman. “Students hold onto the ribbons and dance around it, weaving a pattern as part of the celebration.”
Marshman said the dance steps and music have remained the same since the tradition started at the school 61 years ago.
“There was a lady from Vancouver who brought it to Powell River,” said Marshman. “We’ve been doing it long enough that some of the students’ grandparents remember doing it as kids.”
For former students and participants, some traditions are not to be messed with, said Marshman.
“People are very used to it being a certain way,” she added. “One year we tried to change the music and some of the folks were really upset; they wrote us letters telling us to change it back.”
Despite its timelessness, the celebration has changed in important ways, said Marshman. Celebrations now involve a community that was historically excluded from the festival.
“We’re incorporating Tla’amin traditions, which is really wonderful to see,” she said.
According to Marshman, ceremonies open with a Tla’amin prayer and close with a traditional friendship dance. She added that the celebration used to include the crowning of a May Queen.
“Now we have May Day ambassadors,” said Marshman. “They’re voted in by the May Day committee.”
Each year, committee delegates receive a special May Day cape from the previous year’s ambassadors.
“It’s really nice to see the different grades come together for this,” said Marshman, “and so many of the parents come, even ones who are unavailable for most other school events; they know how important this is and many of them volunteer.”
May Day volunteer coordinator Matthew Hull has been involved with the festival for five years and noted that help comes from a variety of people and organizations.
“There are so many parents who want to help,” said Hull. “There’s also the Wildwood Grannies who put on May Day tea for the adults and many people who donate baked goods.”
According to Hull, parents and caregivers who prepare lunches and smoothies for the students focus on using local ingredients. Marshman said support also comes from people living in the neighbourhood.
“Even some of the neighbours look forward to May Day; some of them come out for the parade, and they have for years,” said Marshman. “For us, this festival is part of our school’s tradition and the kids really look forward to it; you see them in their house colours and they are so proud.”
