May Day

May Day is worldwide celebration for workers’ rights. In some cultures, it is also associated with International Workers’ Day or Labor Day.

The first observances of May Day occurred during pre-Christian times with a festival honoring the Roman Goddess of flowers. Ancient Celtic cultures also celebrated May Day with a Pagan festival honoring Beltane, the God of the sun.
In more recent centuries, workers would often take the day off to celebrate May Day – without the support of their employers. In the 1600’s, Parliament even banned May Day festivities and observances in England. It was reinstated by Charles II during the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Today in England, May Day celebrations include crowning a May Queen and dancing around the maypole.

Though it was celebrated in Colonial America, today the United States and Canada do not observe May Day because President Eisenhower perceived May Day celebrations as communist. Eisenhower instead proclaimed May 1st as “Law Day” and moved Labor Day to September.
Celebrate the rich history of May Day by attending a May Day festival if there is one in your area or by listening to traditional Maypole music!