In my opinion, music should be a central feature of the Homesteading Lifestyle. Indeed, I believe art and especially music should be a part of everyone’s lifestyle, whether in the country, the city or in between. That’s my husband Larry and my son Isaiah playing the fiddle in our home we built. So allow me to delve just a bit into this topic of music in this lovely month of May!
Now is the Month of Maying is the title of an awesome little song that comes to mind. It is a classic Renaissance song written by Thomas Morley and published in 1595. Take a gander at these lyrics! Or better yet, head over to YouTube and have a listen. But beware! It is rumored to be a little bit naughty!
Now is the month of Maying,
When merry lads are playing,
Fa la la la la la la la la,
Fa la la la la la la lah.
Each with his bonny lass
Upon the greeny grass.
Fa la la la la la la la la, etc…
The Spring, clad all in gladness,
Doth laugh at Winter’s sadness,
Fa la la, etc…
And to the bagpipe’s sound
The nymphs tread out their ground.
Fa la la, etc…
Fie then! why sit we musing,
Youth’s sweet delight refusing?
Fa la la, etc…
Say, dainty nymphs, and speak,
Shall we play barley break?
Fa la la etc…
Naughty or not, it is a fave of mine! And it stirs warm memories held dear for many a year.
Anthroposophy, Biodynamic Farming and Gardening, and Homesteading
I learned it for a May Day celebration while at a school I attended years ago in Sussex, England — an enchanted spiritual school called Emerson College. The school was set within an old estate that included a small mansion and a large farm. Students attended from around the world.
If you have ever heard of the teachings of the German “spiritual scientist”, Rudolf Steiner, that are collectively known as “Anthroposophy,” you’re barking up the right tree. I have a degree in the study of religions- East and West, and related topics, you know. Stuff like philosophy, epistemology, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, etc. I happened to discover Anthroposophy while in college and then happened to run into two students who had attended Emerson (long story) a few years prior to our meeting.
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the Anthroposophical Society, lived from 1865 to 1925 and gave over 6000 lectures is his lifetime and wrote over 50 books! His description of the spiritual evolution of the universe and humankind are absolutely fascinating!
Steiner may be best known for being the brains behind what is known today as Biodynamic Farming and Gardening. There is also a private school system founded upon his methods that are called Waldorf Schools.
Art and music play a central role in Waldorf education and every effort is made in the early school years to nurture creativity. Also, respect and wisdom regarding Nature is conscientiously cultivated in the curriculum.
Additionally, Biodynamic gardening methods and principles have proven themselves to be exceptionally successful and again, the relationship that humans cultivate with Nature takes top priority. If you search the internet, you will find plenty of sources of information on both of these.
Celebrating the Homesteading Lifestyle!
Meanwhile, I think I will sing and celebrate the Homesteading Lifestyle!
Now is the month of Maying,
I’m Having a Great Daying….
Fa la la la la la la la la,
Fa la la la la la la lah.
I hope that You are Too
Enjoying a sky of blue,
Fa la la la la la la la la, la la la la la la la lah!
