Pinkster: A Colonial Celebration of Spring

[Albert]

Pinkster Fest
A Colonial Celebration of Spring

Sunday, May 23, 2010 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Summer is a-coming in! Join us around the Maypole on Sunday, May 23rd, from 1 to 4 PM at Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge. Imagine you are back in a time when the spring planting was done and nature allowed a moment of relaxation and community celebration. The Jersey Dutch joyously observed Pentecost as Pinkster, a holiday marking the budding of trees, the flowering of shrubs and feasting upon the first harvest of spring grains. In farming communities, a May-tree or pole was set in the ground and decorated with nosegays woven from wildflowers. A sporting contest, usually involving foot or horse races, determined who would be crowned as a figurative bride and groom, the May Queen and King. This flower-crowned couple led merry-makers in a procession, going door-to-door and gathering dyed eggs, butter, bread, cream, coffee, sugar, and tallow candles in their baskets. Food collected in these spring baskets furnished the table of the communal Pinkster supper, actually a mock wedding feast, complete with ring dances. Toasts with buttermilk, known as “white wine”, singing, and recital of the Pinkster Ode complete the celebration. Visit the historic Campbell-Christie, Demarest and Steuben Houses at the Bridge That Saved A Nation. The 15 ft white oak dugout canoe, local Indian artifacts and Heiss button collection from BCHS collections will be on display at the Steuben House. There will be games and activities for children at the Campbell-Christie House along with refreshments. The public is most welcome.

Suggested donation for events unless otherwise noted: $7 adult, $5 children, BCHS members free. Takes place at Steuben House and the Campbell-Christie House, 1201-1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ.



1:00 pm Sweeping of Stairs
1:15 pm Ode to Pinkster (Porch of Demarest House)
1:30 pm Maypole Dance (by Campell-Christie House)
2:00 pm Historic New Bridge Landing Illustrated talk (in Steuben House). Period dancing thru-out day. Takes place outside, in Steuben House if weather inclement.
4:00 pm Pinkster Ode & Closing (Porch of Demarest House)
4:45 pm Tavern & Gift Shop (Campbell-Christie House)