May Day

May 1st celebrations are deeply rooted in ancient pagan fertility festivals marking the beginning of summer (also called Beltane). Traditions include bonfires, maypoles, and flower garlands which originate from Celtic, Roman and Germanic rituals.

Maypole

Sixteenth century Church of England banned May Day festivities because of their pagan roots and when riots broke out it was King Henry VIII who pardoned the 14 rioters and 400 participants who were sentenced to death.

Today, many cities in the United States celebrate a version of this day. May Day Festivals are celebrated in Clinton, Illinois and Albrightsville, Pennsylvania. California has multiple events that feature both music and art.

May Day celebration

Join the fun at home with greenery and flowers and make a simple meal from seasonal vegetables. Before sunrise (when the neighbors are still asleep), I go outside and dab my face with freshly fallen dew drops.

This year, I’ll make Captain a flower wreath and let him wear his pink saddle pad.