International May Day Celebrations
In many countries around the world, the first of May is both a spring celebration dating back to pagan times, May Day, and a holiday in support of workers’ rights, Labor Day. In addition to parades and other events, it is a chance for people to celebrate spring and the coming of summer. The first of May is said to mark the beginning of summer, a tradition which dates back to the Roman festival of Flora which was held annually from April 28th to May 3rd in ancient Roman times. Read more to find out how May Day Celebrations differ around the world.
May Day celebrations | Italy- Primo maggio
Although modern May Day festivals in Italy are associated with the Virgin Mary, their origins date back to ancient times when the people of ancient Rome honored Maia and Flora, the goddesses of flowers and springtime. Statues of the goddesses were adorned in garlands and carried in a procession past a sacred, blossoming tree. Later, these festivals were spread by conquering Romans. Today in Italy, boys serenade their sweethearts on primo maggio, and there are many regional festivals.
May Day celebrations | Czech Republic – Lásky čas
In the Czech Republic, May first is a special day. Also known as “Lásky čas” or “Day of Love”, it is a long time Czech holiday during which it is customary to kiss the one you love under a blossoming cherry tree. There is a famous poem from which most Czechs are able to recite at least a couple of verses, titled Máj or May, written by the romantic Czech poet Karel Hynek Mácha. The poet’s statue, high up on the hill of Prague Petřín, is often visited on May first by lovers.
May Day celebrations | Germany – Walpurgisnacht
Many people in northern Germany observe the night between April 30th and May1st as “Witches Night” known as “Walpurgisnacht” or “Hexennacht” in German. On this night witches are said to celebrate the arrival of spring. People commonly light bonfires, stay out all night singing and dancing, and prepare Maypoles for the May Day morning celebrations. Young men in Rhineland place a branch wrapped in colorful ribbons in the garden of the girl they want to marry.
Greece – Protomaia
May first, or Protomagia, in Greece is traditionally a day to celebrate nature and the end of spring. Maios, or May, derives its name from the Goddess Maia, mother of Hermes. Her name is closely associated with the Greek word for mother, μήτηρ (mētēr). A celebration of the final victory of summer over winter passed down from ancient times, May Day is when Greeks collect spring flowers and prepare wreaths which they hang on their front doors. Children also go in search of the first swallow of the season.
France – 1er mai
Lily of the valley, commonly known as ‘muguet’ in French, is one of the most common spring flowers found in the cool temperate parts of France. The plant is composed of white, bell-shaped flowers that grow in late spring – end of April and beginning of May – in the shade of wooded areas. In France, the lily of the valley is sold on streets everywhere on the first of May, or “1er mai”, and is considered to be a symbol of spring and good luck.
England – May Day
During the Middle Ages, on the first of May English villagers went to the countryside to gather flowers. A Maypole was then set up on the green in the center of the village made of the trunk of a tall tree and decorated with wild flowers. The villagers traditionally danced and sang around the Maypole, and in many English villages and towns today, the tradition of the Maypole continues. Colorful ribbons are attached to the pole and woven into patterns as the dancers move around it.
Hawaii – Lei Day
In Hawaii, May Day is called Lei Day. Lei Day began in 1928 and is mixed with traditional Hawaiian celebrations. Over the years a lei exhibit and pageant have been added to the celebrations along with music and dance. Each of the eight Hawaiian Islands select a Lei Queen for the pageant, and every island has a particular flower associated with it. Today the festivities still honor the Lei Queen and her court, and children and adults hold lei making contests and perform the Hula.
What are your May Day traditions? Please share them with us!
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