May Day is a celebration halfway between the Spring Equinox (the official start of spring) and the Summer Solstice (the official start of summer). It is always observed on May 1st, although the technical astronomical midpoint varies slightly. It is what is known as a “cross quarter” day on the Wheel of the Year. These days are seasonal midpoints in between the “quarters” or solstices/ equinoxes. This day is rich in history and folklore, and as with many ancient holidays, was rooted in agriculture. Wildflowers are starting to bloom, asparagus is beginning to peek out of the ground, and the earth is warming up.
History & Traditions
The May Day celebration is known by many names in many different places:
Beltane is a Gaelic word that means “Day of Fire.” Special bonfires were lit, cattle and livestock returned to pasture, crops began to sprout and people held festivals with song, dance and May flowers. Many Beltane traditions revolve around protecting people and livestock from fairies because on this day (along with Samhain in the fall) the veil between the worlds was thought to be thinner than usual. Driving the livestock near the sacred fires was done for protection, as were the offerings of food and flowers for the fae.
In Roman times this day was called Floralia and commemorated Flora the goddess of flowers, vegetation, and fertility. These multi day festivals were filled with song, theater, and metaphors for spring and fertility like seeds and rabbits.
Many of the modern traditions of May Day originate from the German/Nordic festival of Walpurgis Night. Traditional spring folk songs are sung, pranks are played, offerings are made and plants are hung to keep evil spirits at bay.
In the late 80s in Japan May 4th was designated as Greenery Day, part of a string of several holidays that make up the “Golden Week.” While not ancient, it also pays tribute to the spring energy and the desire to spend time outdoors this time of year. It’s often the first week that green tea is harvested making it a lovely time to try some special tea outdoors. People celebrate by sowing seeds, taking care of plants, spending time in the forest, and participating in clean ups.
May Day bouquets are a long standing tradition in the US, with the ding dong ditch part of the game becoming popular in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Two bold children even left a May Day basket on the White House door in 1925. The traditional gift was a small basket, often a homemade paper cone, filled with spring flowers and/or treats.In Western Europe, maypoles used to be made from living trees. Historians think maypole dances may have been intended to bring a good crop. They also celebrate the warm season!
Find all of our ideas for celebrating here.