One of my fondest childhood memories is of May Day (May 1st). As children, we took small May baskets to the neighbors, left them on their porches, rang the bell and ran away. This was how it was supposed to be done – an anonymous gift. It was fun to make and leave the gift, and it was fun, in turn, to receive the gifts on our doorstep.
Ancient celebrations of May Day date back to before the time of Christ. For the Druidic culture of the British Isles, May Day was connected with Beltane, and was the second most important holiday of the year. One of the customs in those times was the setting of a new fire, to honor the New Year. The Romans, when they entered the British Isles, added the worship of Flora, goddess of flowers to the celebration. Present day celebrations are more focused on lighthearted children’s activities, as opposed to honoring the fertility tradition.
The May pole is another tradition connected with May Day. Large poles are set up, with streamers coming from them. Individuals take hold of the streamer, and dance around the May pole. Sometimes the ribbons are braided around the May pole by the manner in which the dances weave in and out as they circle the pole.
On a more political note, in many countries May Day is also considered to be Labor Day, with the connotation of labor riots and other unrest.
How are you going to celebrate this May Day? You could choose to create your own May pole – either full size or a tabletop version. You could make it a family activity to create small May baskets (of spring flowers or other small tokens), to be left on neighbors doors. Or, if you live somewhere that this is a viable activity, you could invite your friends and neighbors over and light a bonfire to celebrate spring and the new year.
With May Day, we are marking a point in the calendar, a point in the year, and a point in our lives. It is a tradition that we may or may not wish to carry on. I do, because I have good memories attached to it. We ground and center ourselves with our traditions.
Wishing each of you a very happy May Day!