May Day is celebrated in many parts of the world on May 1st. Each country that celebrates it has their own traditions to mark this holiday. For some countries it is a public holiday that is meant to be celebrated, others believe it is a celebration of the beginning of summer, while for others there are some political events that are associated with this day.
The history of May day is said to have pagan origins, where they would perform rituals with fire to protect their cattle, crops and people. Many bonfires were used as the heat from the flames, the smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. People would also wear and decorate their homes with yellow May flowers. Other cultures such as India and Egypt would celebrate the day as a symbol of fertility. In Rome, they would celebrate Flora, the goddess of flowers, fertility and spring on this day. The church felt celebration got out of hand and banned then in the early 1600’s.
We celebrate Labor Day in September, however many countries celebrate it on May 1st in honor of the date back in the late 19th century when laborers fought for an 8 hour work day. Most countries in Europe celebrate May Day including Germany, France and Romania.
Germany
May Day in Germany marks the wonderful spring weather and is meant to chase away any evil spirits that are present. In some cities, including Berlin, it is a holiday that celebrates the rights of workers. This can include protests that can get heated. In Rhineland, young men place a branch that is wrapped in a variety of colored ribbons in their love interest’s garden in hopes that she will show interest in him. It’s also a day to spend outdoors cooking on the barbeque grill and spend time with family. Maiwein, or May Wine is often served with their meal.
France
In France, May Day is also referred to as Labor Day. For most of the country it’s a particular fun occasion that welcomes the beginning of summer. Many individuals will dance around a maypole or give baskets filled with flowers or treats to loved ones. In Paris and some other cities there are a variety of protests that are centered around various political and social demonstrations. For most citizens though, it is seen as a fun day and the French government even let’s people sell flowers on May 1st without facing taxation if they don’t have a vendor’s license.
Romania
May 1st is the largest secular holiday that occurs in Romania each year. It is filled with many festivals and large celebrations to honor individuals that work. Younger workers tend to spend a day or two at one of the areas seaside towns or visit one of the nearby mountains. May Day celebrations are also filled with a lot of food. The most popular item served on May 1ar is a minced meat roll dish call mititei. It’s often served with bread and potatoes and plenty of beer.
Britain
Although not as popular throughout all of England anymore, smaller town do still celebrate May Day. There are parades, Maypole (picture here,) dancing and even a crowning of a May Queen. Maypoles are made of cut trees which are put in the ground and many colorful ribbons are tied around it. People dance around them wrapping their ribbons around the tree. It is recorded that the largest maypole reached 100 feet in 1543, which was later purchased by Issac Newton in 1713 which used it to prop up a large telescope.
In Stilton, England, they hold their annual cheese rolling contest. Costumed teams compete down the city’s main street with wooden cheese shaped wheels.
In honor of their Celtic ancestry, Scotland holds the Beltane Fire Festival on April 30th over Canton Hill. It’s an exciting explosion of dance, fire and drums to celebrate the beginning of summer.
In Cornwall, on May Day (also known as ‘Obby ‘Oss Day,) over 30,000 people gather to celebrate.
Fun Fact: In the U.S., May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii. You can enjoy concerts, exchanging of flowers and lei making competitions around the islands.
Even though May Day isn’t popular in the United States, why not celebrate it anyways? You can make mititei for dinner, give flowers to your loved ones or cook on the barbeque grill. You could also plan a trip to visit one of the countries that celebrates May Day next year.
