The origins of May Day harken back to the Celts of the British Isles. They believed May 1 to be the most important day of the year. The May Day festival was thought to divide the year in half, between the light and the dark.
When the Romans took over the British Isles, they brought with them a celebration known as Floralia, devoted to the worship of the goddess of flowers, Flora. This took place between April 20 and May 2nd and their rituals were combined with the Celts.
The most recognized tradition of May Day involves the maypole, the exact origins of which remain unknown. Historians believe the first maypole dance originated as part of a fertility ritual.
Does May Day have anything to do with the international distress call, “Mayday, Mayday?” No. The term Mayday was derived from the word M’aider, a shortened version of the French term for “Come and help me.”
It’s also:
Chocolate Parfait Day
Infertility Survival Day
Law Day
Lemonade Day
Loyalty Day
Mother Goose Day
School Principals Day
Silver Star Service Banner Day