May Day (May 1st) might sound like one of those holiday’s Hallmark made up to sell cards, but it’s actually a venerable tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Almost all of the ancient celebrations that are associated with May Day are related to Pagan celebrations of the coming of spring and the bounties of summer. It originated with the Ancient Romans and their celebration of Flora, the goddess of flowers. May Day is also associated with Walpurgis Night, a celebration in parts of Europe of Saint Walpurga.
Traditionally May Day celebrations involve dancing around a maypole. You might have heard that expression, “skinny as a maypole” – well, this is where the word comes from. Maypoles are poles with brightly colored ribbons tied to their tops and driven into the ground. People, usually children or young women, then dance around the pole, winding the ribbons as they go. Sometimes a “May Queen” is appointed in the community, a young woman who is chosen to lead the festivities.
This holiday is celebrated more in Europe than in America these days, but building your own maypole for your kids is a fun project. It’s both a great way to burn off some spring Saturday energy and a fantastic picture opportunity. What grandparent wouldn’t love a picture of their little angels dancing around and old fashion, ribbon bedecked symbol of spring?
May 1st is also home to a slew of other little recognized holiday. Dwight D. Eisenhower christened it “Law Day” – a day to remember the importance of the rule of law. It’s also International Worker’s Day, which is designed to celebrate organized labor and remember the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago where police shot workers striking. Basically, IW Day is the rest of the world’s labor day.
So no matter which holiday you decide to celebrate, take the time to stop and enjoy the coming of spring tomorrow!
