Origins of May Day (Part 2)

Ireland use to have a pagan festival known as Bealtaine but also switched during “Christainization” and know celebrates “Mary’s Day” for the Virgin Mary. On this day they have bonfires to rejoice summer coming and the cold winter nights are gone. Though, bonfires were more common in the past, they have lost their power and only happen in some communities. Like in Ireland, Germany also celebrates May Day with bonfires but they also deliver Maypoles. Maypoles are trees covered in streamers which are delivered to a girl’s house the night before. Usually the trees are delivered by a romantic lover but if the tree has white streamers than it is a sign of dislike. The girls place roses or rice in the shape of a heart on their loved ones door in exchange. But on leap year, like this year, females deliver the maypoles instead. All of this is done secretly and it is there choose to decide if they want to reveal themselves.



Here in the US, May Day got its start from early European immigrants. In some parts of the country people make a May Day basket, which is what I grew up on, and fill them with treats or flowers. These are left on the door step and the person receiving the basket tries to catch the giver. If they are caught the tradition says you have to kiss the person. This practice thought has been fading since the 20^th century. Know celebrations vary throughout the United States, depending on what region you are in. In Hawaii and other Pacific nations May Day is known as Lei Day. This day is to celebrate the island culture, especially native Hawaiian culture. It was created by a Poet Don Blanding in 1927, later on a song “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii” became the traditional holiday song.



In Sweden they also celebrate May Day, but they know it better as International Workers Day. They made the switch officially in 1938 but it has been celebrated since the Swedish Social Democratic Party left in 1890. During World War One issues like 8 hour working day and women suffrage were brought up but know they have leading labor figures speak and talk about politics. This is also celebrated by many other countries on May Day including the many of the previous countries already listed.



As you discover, their many different celebrations of this spring holiday, from celebrating with a bonfire to delivering maypoles. All and all though, people across the world celebrate the pagan meaning and labor reason of May Day, in some way, shape or form.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day