Celebrating May Day

- Celebrating May Day -

Well it’s official, May is here! May Day is a celebration that dates back millennia. It brings lots of traditions, and different types of celebrations. This year is going to be a little different for all of us, and that can be a little scary. We think celebrating May day is a great way to fidn the joy, and the sunshine, during this difficult year.

As much as we won’t be dancing round the maypole this year, we thought we’d share some 3 ideas on how to celebrate it safely this year.

Flowers for Your Hair

One way to celebrate May day is to adorn your hair with flowers.

When the Romans took over the British Isles they introduced a celebration named Floralia. This was a celebration devoted to the goddess of flowers, Flora.

This 5-day celebration was said to take place at the end of April and ended on 2nd May.

The traditions were soon combined with those of the Celts. Consequently, this lead to the celebration of just one day, which we now know to be the First of May.

Folk girl in the midsummer making flower

Why not get some beautiful flowers together? Daisies are a simple and easy flower to begin with, and they grow in abundance. Moreover, you can get your creative juices flowing by creating a perfect flower crown perfect for a Goddess.

Children dancing round a maypole

Dance around the Maypole

This is a very common practice, especially with children in primary schools.

Dancing round the maypole is a tradition that has lived through many generations. the maypole dance is well known to represent the beginning of May.

Why not make your own maypole? If you have a washing line or a tree in your garden, why not attach some ribbon, and have your own little celebration.

A Basket Full of Flowers

What is a May Day basket?

Well, along with maypole dancing and flower crowns, this was also another popular tradition. May day saw the gathering of wildflowers, sweets and other gifts. After that, they were then left in baskets and hung on the door handles of friends or family members.

Have a go at making your own. It would be a lovely gift for someone in your household.

a basket of bright wildflowers stands on the road. Close up.

Moreover, or if you’re out on your daily hour exercise, leave them on the doorstep for a loved one. It will be sure to brighten their day!

may day

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