Happy May Day

 

Kids aren't truly aware these days of what May Day is. I remember celebrating it in elementary school, but I know it is not celebrated these days. 

May Day is a cultural holiday, mainly in Europe to celebrate the beginning of summer. Raising and decorating a may pole is a huge tradition in some areas. Bonfires and crowning a queen are common occurrences as well.  This tradition began in the Roman Republican era and is still participated in yearly.

May baskets are sometimes given, although this tradition is sadly not as widely participated in these days. It was a small basket of flowers or sweet treats left on someone's porch or front lawn. This tradition has gradually gone away since the late 20th century. Sadly, it seems that gifts like these are not appreciated anymore. 

At Beltane, quhen ilk bodie bownis
To Peblis to the Play,
To heir the singin and the soundis;
The solace, suth to say,
Be firth and forrest furth they found
Thay graythis tham full gay;
God wait that wald they do that stound,
For it was their feast day the day they celebrate May Day,

In Sweden, this poem was popular for May Day. Sweden people would host bonfires, decorate around windows and doors with greenery and flowers, and a parade. Does anyone here know of any place in the United States that still does anything special for May Day?

Here is a wish for a fantastic May Day to each of you. I pray that it is warmer where you are than here as we are predicted to have widespread frost tonight. The wind is cool this morning and our temperatures are in the upper 40's. Not good for my flowers and my plants.