This post includes a video, which uses American Sign Language (ASL) and is also captioned for the “signing impaired.” Scroll down to watch this video. There is also a non-signed version with printed lyrics for those who prefer to watch such.
The first day of May is commonly known as Beltane, and also referred to as “May Day.” It is a day that is celebrated for many things – the blooming of the flowers, the singing of the birds, the warming rays of the sun. In many Celtic traditions this day begins the lighter half of the year, and is also viewed by Pagans as being the start of Summer.
Jonathan Coulton, an American singer-songwriter, has written a song that celebrates the first day of May, and expresses the way some Pagans might indeed feel about this day. After doing a bit of searching around on Youtube, I have found a video of this song that has been translated into sign language, that my Deaf readers might thus be able to watch and understand it along with everyone else.
I’ve posted this video for your viewing pleasure.
Enjoy.
Note: this video uses adult themes & language
it may not be appropriate for children
While I applaud this young man’s efforts at signing this song, I do acknowledge that his signing/music interpretation skills may not be the best (although I have certainly seen worst!) I hope that he continues to study and develop his skills, as I do think he has potential to become a good interpreter.
For those who prefer to see a non-signed version of the song with the lyrics, here it is:
This sculpture shows the sign for "connect"...and that is what Deaf Pagan Crossroads is all about - making connections. Connections between Deafhood and Paganism, connections between the Deaf Community and the Hearing Community, connections between myself as the writer and you as the reader. I hope you will take the time to read my various posts, some of which are listed below. Welcome to the Crossroads, and I hope you make some connections here!
Hmmm… I do find it interesting that this particular post is getting a lot of hits, while my post on maypoles is being virtually ignored.
Guess that gives us an idea where people’s minds are today.
Obviously not on dancing around poles.
Oh that video is hilarious! I like the use of the backing signers (I have no idea of their ASL skills as I learn BSL, nor ASL).
It’s a cute little ditty, ain’t it?
I suspect the backup signers don’t actually have signing skills, but were taught what they needed to know for this video. (I could be wrong, tho.) As for the lead singer, he has some good basic skills and it’s clear he does understand the difference between ASL and English and makes the effort to use actual ASL in his interpretation of this song. There are a few signing errors and room for improvement, but he’s not bad. I could understand his signs and the song pretty well.
[...] Jonathan Coulton, an American singer-songwriter, has written a song that celebrates the first day of May, and expresses the way some Pagans might indeed feel about this day. After doing a bit of searching around on Youtube, I have found a video of this song that has been translated into sign language, that my Deaf readers might thus be able to watch and understand it along with everyone else.http://deafpagancrossroads.com/2011/05/01/its-the-first-day-of-may/ [...]
LOL… I have seen his videos many times and enjoy him even though he is pretty much intermediate-like… but tries hard. He usually does ASL translation of songs in Youtube.
D’