Happy May Day

Today, May 1, is observed in different ways around the globe. For many it’s a holiday dedicated to laborers.

May Day has origins dating back thousands of years to when the Romans paid tribute to Flora, the goddess of flowers. Other lore ties it to the Walpurgis Night, a celebration in parts of Europe of St. Walpurga. In other parts of Europe, May Day signifies crowning a girl the May Queen; she then begins the May 1 celebrations, which include dancing around a maypole. In different parts of the world, aspects of paganism are heavily rooted in May Day festivities and tradition.

Around these parts, May Day doesn’t get the attention holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween receive. Traditionally it's the first day of planting season here. Also, Law Day is celebrated on May 1 in the United States. Coined in 1958 by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Law Day was started to recognize and remember the importance of written rule in our country’s founding and its role in maintaining order.


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