May Day

May Day, celebrated on May 1st or the first Monday in May, originates as an ancient spring festival in European cultures. Traditionally, people commemorate the occasion with dancing, singing, and sharing cake. In 1889, Socialists and Communists proclaimed May Day as International Workers' Day to honor the Haymarket affair in Chicago. This festival also traces its roots to the Roman Floralia and Maiouma, which celebrated deities such as Dionysus and Aphrodite. Contemporary May Day festivities often include maypole dances, the crowning of a May Queen, and the distribution of May baskets.

Different countries have distinct ways of celebrating May Day:

- Bulgaria: Irminden is observed to ward off snakes.

- Czech Republic: Known as a holiday of love.

- Estonia: Celebrates Spring Day (Kevadpüha).

- Finland: Observes Walpurgis Night (Vappu) with various festivities.

- France: The tradition of giving lily of the valley (muguet) began in the 16th century.

- Germany: Celebrates Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night).

- Greece: Marks the arrival of summer.

- Ireland: Celebrates Beltane.

- Italy: Observes Calendimaggio, a spring feast.

- Poland: Celebrates Labour Day.

- Portugal: Has the Maias tradition.

- Romania: Celebrates Arminden.

- Serbia: Follows the "Prvomajski uranak" tradition.

- Spain: Celebrates Los Mayos with regional customs.

- Sweden: Celebrates Walpurgis Night, followed by International Workers' Day.

- United Kingdom:

- England: Celebrates May Day with traditions like crowning a May Queen and dancing around a maypole.

- Scotland: Has revived Beltane celebrations.

- Wales: Observes Calan Mai.

- North America:

- Canada and the United States: Have various May Day traditions, including May baskets and Lei Day in Hawaii.