History of May Day

May Day is a traditional holiday in many cultures. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared before Christianity. The festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers were celebrated in the Germanic countries. It is very closely associated with the Celctic tradition of Beltane. Most pagan celebrations were either abandoned or made into Christian holidays during the conversion of Europe. 

A more secular version of May Day is still observed today across Europe and in America. May Day may be best known for its tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen of the May.

Dancing Around the May Pole circa early 1900's

A popular early tradtion of giving May Baskets, has been fading out since the late 20th century. A May Baset is a small basket of sweets and flowers left anonymously on neighbor’s’ doorsteps.

In many countries, May Day is also celebrated as International Worker’s Day or Labour Day,  a day of political demonstrations and celebrations.