National May Day

Cheerful people in floral attire, surrounded by blooming flowers, dancing around a maypole adorned with ribbons and garlands.. — National may day illustration

Happy National May Day! It's time to celebrate the arrival of spring, workers' rights, and all things May. Let's dive into the fascinating history of this special day!

When is May Day?

It's national may day on the 1st May.

The Origins of National May Day

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It all began with the fight for workers' rights and better working conditions. Ah, the good ol' days when people had to band together and protest for basic rights. Nowadays, we just angrily leave a scathing review on Yelp. But that's beside the point!

The first National May Day celebrations took place in the United States in the late 1800s. Workers demanded an eight-hour workday and fair wages. They organized strikes and rallies, demanding change and making some really catchy protest signs. Hats off to those creative souls!

Maypole Dancing and Other Traditions

May Day is not just about workers' rights; it also has its roots in ancient spring festivals. One of the most iconic May Day traditions is the maypole dance. People gather around a tall pole adorned with colorful ribbons and, in a choreographed fashion, weave the ribbons into intricate patterns as they dance around the pole. It's like a giant game of Cat's Cradle, but instead of string, you have really enthusiastic dancers.

Another popular May Day tradition is the crowning of the May Queen or King. These lucky individuals, who usually represent youth and vitality, get to parade around wearing flowery crowns while everyone else has serious crown envy. May the floral tiaras be ever in their favor!

Modern Celebrations and Festivities

In many countries, National May Day has evolved into a day of celebration, relaxation, and fun. People take the day off work (ironically) to enjoy picnics, outdoor activities, and spending time with loved ones. It's like a mini summer vacation before summer even arrives!

Some May Day celebrations also include music, parades, and, of course, delicious food. Let's be honest, any excuse to eat good food is a reason to celebrate in our book! So fire up the grill and get those hamburgers sizzling!

History behind the term 'May'

1315

The origin of the word 'may'

The term 'may' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'meye,' which meant 'maiden' or 'young unmarried woman.' It was often used to refer to a young girl or a woman of marriageable age. This term gradually evolved to become synonymous with the month of May.

1450

May Day celebrations

By the 15th century, May became associated with a joyous and festive spirit. May Day celebrations became popular, where people would gather to welcome the arrival of spring and celebrate the rebirth of nature. These celebrations often included dancing around a maypole, decorating with flowers, and crowning a May Queen. The term 'may' was further linked with this merry and jovial atmosphere.

1660

May Day traditions in Europe

May Day traditions spread across Europe, with each country adding its unique cultural customs to the festivities. In England, people would go 'a-maying,' which involved going out early in the morning to gather flowers and greenery. This tradition contributed to the further association of the term 'may' with the month of May.

1813

May as a verb

By the early 19th century, 'may' started being used as a verb meaning 'to gather flowers' or 'to go out and collect blossoms.' This usage derived from the May Day traditions of gathering flowers and symbols of spring. The term 'may' expanded its significance beyond just the month and came to represent the action of enjoying the beauty of nature during the spring season.

1880

May as a permission or possibility

In the late 19th century, 'may' began to be used to express permission or possibility. This usage evolved from the idea of 'may' as a jovial and joyful time associated with freedom and new beginnings. It became a way to express the potential for something to happen or to grant someone the freedom to do something. This modern usage of 'may' remains prevalent in the English language today.

Did you know?

Did you know that May Day is considered a public holiday in over 80 countries? That's a lot of countries taking a day off to celebrate the start of May!