The first of May is marked in a number of ways by different cultures, but here and now it tends to mean two things: spring, and workers’ rights. Read on for more about both.
May Day – Meaning, Date & Workers Day
The Celts of the British Isles believed May 1 to be the most important day of the year, when the festival of Beltane was held.
This May Day festival was thought to divide the year in half, between the light and the dark. Symbolic fire was one of the main rituals of the festival, helping to celebrate the return of life and fertility to the world.
What Is May Day? Traditions and Lore of May 1st
Did you know that May Day has its roots in astronomy? Traditionally, it was the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! In ancient times, this was one of the Celtic cross-quarter days, which marked the midway points between the (four) solstices and equinoxes of the year.
If you’re planning a dance around the maypole later, have fun. Even if you aren’t, I hope you enjoy the day.
Because we’re halfway to summer, hooray!
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