Chronicles of
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate May Day? For hundreds of years across much of Europe, May 1 was celebrated when spring was in full bloom with outdoor communal festivities and merriment enjoyed by participants who no longer had to fear winter’s wrath. For over a century now, May 1 has had a more serious significance.
Also known as International Worker’s Day, it’s recognized as a time to mark the ongoing struggles for improved working conditions.
May Day as a commemoration of spring had it’s origins in older pagan traditions. The Romans celebrated a six-day festival of Floralia from mid-April to May 1 marked by various competitions, theatrical presentations and the releasing of hares and deer as symbols of fertility.
Further north, the people of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man celebrated with a festival called Beltane, which was celebrated by lighting bonfires and collecting flowers.
By the late Middle Ages, these celebrations had coalesced into celebrations across much of Europe such dancing around the Maypole.
May day celebrations were discouraged in the Americas, mainly by the Puritan’s disapproval. May Day never quite gained any traction in the colonies.
By the late 19th century, May Day experienced a rebirth in the United States. Influential social reformers became concerned about the leisure activities of the growing immigrant population. May Day outdoor celebrations were reintroduced throughout the schools as a form of wholesome outdoor family activities. Your Scarlett actually participated in elementary school in a May Pole dance on the playground. If we could only return to such simple entertainment! Gone would be the danger of brutal fights and drug deals that occur on our “playgrounds” today. Sincerely,
Scarlett
Please send your questions to Scarlett at: [email protected] or through postal mail to: Scarlett O’Dara, 902 Elizabeth St., Waycross, GA 31503.
