because it’s tradition
Around these parts on this day, it’s become customary to figuratively dance around the May pole and post a version of this particular tune for the entertainment of visitors:
One, because it’s funny and I enjoy almost all things Coulton. Secondly, because it is, believe it or not, a lesson in history and culture; in this case, pagan/wiccan religious tradition. For around this time comes Bealtaine, a festival of fertility and spring planting and (to quote the link above):
…the source of a lots of bawdy jokes and allusions. For example, “Hurray, Hurray, the first of May: Outdoor suiving starts today!” refers to making love outdoors. By the first of May in Europe, it’s fairly safe to take your beloved out for a romantic encounter.
Legend has it that Jonathan Coulton wrote this song after having a medieval version of the same sentiment shown to him by noted expert on all things John Hodgman, because sharing dirty jokes from dark age woodcuts with their peers is apparently what Ivy League alumni in the entertainment industry do for amusement. As they should.
In my neck of the woods this week, it’s full of storms and wind and rain, so we’ll probably forego partaking. But, if things are cooperating where you are, knock yourselves out, by all means.
