May Daze

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

Happy May Day. This date is important to Communist countries, such as China, Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and the former Soviet Union countries, as a celebration of workers’ rights. My interest in this date, however, stems from some understanding of ancient history.

I learned long ago in grade school that May Day celebrations originated in Medieval Europe. In those times, people considered the First Day of May as marking Spring’s Return. They celebrated by participating in agricultural-themed rites. They gathered and exchanged wildflowers and wove garlands. They used those to decorate Maypoles and dance around them. In my imagination, all was great fun and I long have wished to go “Maypole Dancing.”

I understand that modern May Day traditions still exist in Europe and North America. They include dancing around a maypole, crowning the Queen of May, and continuing the tradition of exchanging May Day Baskets. I recall in my early school years that we kids exchanged baskets.

How to create a May Day basket? How about some popcorn, pretzels, cheese puffs, suckers, hard candy, bubble gum, licorice–snacks and treats, layered in disposable cups outfitted with a pipe cleaner handle, and maybe on the basket a few stickers or ribbons?

I particularly enjoy thinking of today as the first day of spring. Here in Central Oregon where I live, residents know not to plant anything at all before Memorial Day; that’s when our spring usually begins. Starting plants before May mostly ends with them freezing. However, with our weather patterns less predictable, our Real Spring’s “for-sure entrance” seems up for grabs.

Dear Friends: Let’s enjoy thinking about Maypoles, dancing, and pretty baskets! Diana