May Day
About May Day
When is May Day? This holiday is always observed on May 1
People around the world celebrate May Day. This May 1 holiday has been celebrated since ancient times. Spring festivals, parades, and maypoles are important traditions on this day. It has several meanings. In many other countries, it is a celebration of spring and the coming of summer. It is celebrated with many spring flowers, many of them blooming right in your backyard. To communist and socialist countries, it is a celebration for the workers.
In many countries, it is celebrated as part of a one to three-day holiday. Of particular note, it is not a national holiday in the United States, except in Hawaii where it is known as “Hawaiian Lei Day“.
In about 140 countries, May Day is also Labor Day and is a worker’s holiday. In many of these countries, the Labor Day holiday is on May 1 unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday when it is held on the following Monday. Only three countries, the United States, Canada, and Bermuda observe Labor Day in September.
Did You Know? The word “Mayday” was first used as an international distress signal in 1923.
How to Celebrate May Day
Here are some ways you can celebrate and participate in this holiday:
- Celebrate with a party of celebration.
- Make a Maypole and dance around it.
- Give flowers to someone.
- Learn more about May Day celebrations in your country.
- Attend a parade. If there isn’t one in your town, help to organize one.
Today's Quote
“Take risks. If you win you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise.'” – – Author Unknown
History and Origin of May Day
This holiday has been celebrated by many societies since ancient times. The Celtic culture believed Beltane on May 1 was the most important holiday of the year. They believed the May 1 holiday separated the year in half between light and darkness.
This Day in History
In addition to May Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- The Empire State Building is dedicated. (1931)
- Mr. Potato Head arrives on the market. (1952)
- Country western singer Tim McGraw was born on this day in 1967.
More May 1 Holidays
Here are more May 1 holidays and events for you to celebrate and enjoy:
Related Holidays
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Honesty Plant
Recipe of the Day: Onion and Carrot Kabob
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Did You Know? In addition to May Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. May holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.