in the merry month of may: songs for the opening of summer’s gate

I made these song books for an event I was a part of celebrating the holiday of Bealtaine and the one-year anniversary of my friends’ herbal apothecary, Hedgerow Herb Co, in Portland, OR. I wanted to share them around in other ways as well because I love these songs and hope they will enrich your own summer celebrations and musical practice, whatever that looks like for you. If you’re seeing this page, however the song book found you, welcome!

Below you will find some images from the book, and a playlist of links to (mainly professional recording artists’) recordings of the songs. The lyrics in the song book may differ from the recordings; there are often many versions of traditional songs, and there are a couple I have also lightly adapted or cobbled together from multiple versions.

The song books and this curation of recording links are DIY, non-professional, and only used for gifting and fundraising purposes. I ask that you sing and share them in the spirit of community service and collective liberation, and support the artists whose songs and recordings you love. Please enjoy, share with your loved ones, and then email me and tell me which songs are your favorites!

blessings,

ell rieke