Today is a day to go out and play!
This is a day that has been celebrated for centuries.
A day to celebrating the end of winter and the return of the sun and fertility of the soil.
Sadly it t is not widely celebrated any more.
A day to celebrating the end of winter and the return of the sun and fertility of the soil.
Sadly it t is not widely celebrated any more.
In early historical time, there was plenty of dancing, singing, and merriment.
According to Wikpedia May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. May Day falls exactly half of a year from November 1, Beltane is a day to celebrates the fertility of spring and the greening of the earth.
The maypole which is is a tall wooden pole (traditionally of maple (Acer), hawthorn or birch) Was erected to celebrate May Day. Some considered the poles to represent the "tree of life." Brightly colored ribbons were then attached to the top pf the pole. Children took turns grabbing a ribbon and dancing around the poles.which would wind the ribbons together in a colorful pattern. Some cultures believed that the winding of the ribbons around the May Poles was an attempt at helping Nature remain in balance after the long, cold winter.
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
May Day can also refer to various labor celebrations conducted on May 1 that commemorate the fight for the eight hour day. May Day in this regard is called International Workers' Day, or Labor Day. The idea for a "workers holiday" began in Australia in 1856
In Mexico April 30. was Children's day. It is one of the happiest & most anticipated days of the year in Mexico. Usually celebrated with festivities of life, honoring children! Since 1925, "El Día de Los Niños" It is a fun day to play with the kids. you can read more about it at Peggy blog.
So to sum things up, today is a day of fun family and spring!
So enjoy life today. Big hug.
Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. - George Bernard Shaw
10 comments:
Happy May Day! I was reading more about the traditions earlier today... so interesting!
Happy May day sweetie.
Like your informative story about May Day. I am glad it's already May, and soon it will be summer time and VACATION! Have a nice May Day and enjoy your week-end.
Thanks for the history lesson. I knew some of those things, but not all.
Hi Grammy, When I was a child, our school always had the May Pole festival. It was a big deal... Don't know if anyone does it anymore.
Happy May Day to you... AND--I hope everything works out for you healthwise.
Have a wonderful week. I'll post one more time in the morning--but then I'll be gone for about 9 days.
Hugs,
Betsy
Happy Beltane to you. I was going to take a picture and forgot the camera.
Coffee is on.
I hope you had a great May Day! That was a very informative post, thanks!
I love the idea of May Day. The quote you shared by George Bernard Shaw is so true!
Have a great week!
Happy May Day! Happy Beltane. Now get out and dance around the Mapole!
What fun people of the ancient ways must have had! Thanks for this informative post. I knew bits and pieces of Mayday celebrations, but I've learned more!
Big hug!
Did you ever do the May pole? I always thought these would have been alot of fun. I didn't know about Children's day. That would be a good one to have here in America:)
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