The Meaning Behind Enid High School's May Fete | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

The Meaning Behind Enid High School's May Fete

"In keeping with the traditions of May Fete."

2188
The Meaning Behind Enid High School's May Fete
Mary L. DeGuzman

"In keeping with the traditions of May Fete..."

The famous words of Mrs. Bush when she starts off May Fete each spring- When you're from Enid, Oklahoma and attended Enid High School, you will definitely be familiar with May Fete.

But what happens if you're not from Enid, or even nearby to learn about this tradition?

Well, have no fear. I am here to tell you everything you need to know about this old tradition that my high school has taken upon for each senior class.

May Fete started as an old English tradition. It's like a right of passage, a walk into a new beginning and a celebration of completing a milestone in someone's life. Growing up in Enid, it didn't occur to me how symbolic this tradition was until I noticed it first hand when my older brother mentioned it and I didn't realize how significant it was in someone's high school days when I was actually on the court back in 2011, when I was a senior in high school.

At first glance, May Fete can look like a wedding. There is a court, which is comparable to the bridesmaid and groomsmen. Then there is the Queen and her Herald, which can be comparable to the bride and groom. These people are chosen among the senior class to be representatives of the senior class. The court and the Queen and Herald are dressed extravagantly based on what the Queen decides- much like how a bride plans and prepares for what her bridesmaids and how she will look like on the special day.

There are a lot of preparation that comes along with this long-standing tradition. If I recall right, the voting for the people on the court doesn't start until early February. This is when also the sophomore and junior women are also invited to partake in the festivities, which they also started preparing for the special day during this month as well. What the sophomore and junior girls do is that they are responsible for wrapping the may poles, which they decorate this with colorful ribbon. This even dates back to the old English days, in which this was founded upon.

This occasion happens in May, when spring is in bloom, and when it's the last few weeks of another senior class ready to graduate for its graduates to go off into their respectable plans after high school. It can be seen as a festival as well as all the bright colors and decorations are intertwined with one another against the brightness of the flowers and grass all around and by the sun and blue skies as well.

When the actual ceremony begins, there are two teachers, whom I have grown fond of, which are Mrs. McIntosh and Mrs. Bush. They are the MC for the event and always start off the ceremony with how many years May Fete has occurred and what its roots derived from. Next the senior class walks along the park. (Disclaimer: I should have mentioned it's always is at Government Springs Park in our hometown.) Following, the senior class is the senior court and Queen and Herald. After the senior class is seated and the court is seated, students from the choir classes sing. Then the Queen and Herald exchange a kiss and following that are the sophomore and junior girls who finish the event by wrapping the may pole.

This event that occurs in May is symbolic and traditionally used to celebrate the coming of spring and the completion of another senior class. Many generations of people who have come and gone through the halls of Enid High, remember this event well, and if you're in touch with someone who can give more insight on this, I would advise you to talk more about it with them! I'm sure there are stories of all sorts that can be told from this day!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196079
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18378
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460498
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28106
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments