Making a Flower Crown

By Erin Boehme 

The earliest May Day celebrations commemorated Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. May 1st, is the halfway point between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice and is the celebration of the Earth, the Sun and fertility.
Traditionally, this was the day people would gather to make flower crowns, dance around the May Pole, and jump over fires as a symbol of purification. Since ancient times, horseshoe or circular shape crowns has been a symbol of purity, eternity and glory.
These rituals are rooted in gratitude and blessing the fertility of the land, while inspiring our own awakening and growth.

In the spirit of Spring, create a crown of foliage and flowers to fashionably wear while dancing the May pole or lounging around the yard or house. Children love to wear flower crowns and play dress up. 

Suggested Materials:
Wire
Ribbon
Long vines(Ivy, Honeysuckle, Trumpet vine, Periwinkle)
Long strong grasses
Long bendable green tree whips(Willow, Fruit wood, etc..)
Flowers with long stems found around your home

Create:
Steps 1-4 might require an adult or older sibling to coordinate
Steps 5-7 can be done mostly by children 

1. Start by using the longest and most bendable material to create the crown form. (Wire or Plant material)
2. Measure the crown shape to the head for sizing.
3. Attach the material so that it makes a circle that stays together. Wire, vines, grasses and whips can be wrapped around themselves and woven together.
4. Add many layers of plant material until you have a sturdy base for your crown like a wreath.
5. Then take your long stem flowers and weave the stem through the openings in your wreath. Weave flower stems into the crown and continue going all the way around the circumference of the circle.
6. Try on the crown as you create to make sure it still fits. 
7. Tie colorful ribbons to the back of the crown to create a rainbow of streamers. *If you only have greenery, it also makes a beautiful crown and the ribbon will bring the color!