 First
of May through May 5
May 1 is the day for a number of notable holidays
around the world. Some are ancient - related to
the cycles and rhythmns of life and nature - mostly
today they are observed more out of tradition
than religious beliefs.
Others are modern celebrations
of spring in the Northern hemisphere, cultural
traditions, the labor force and military power.
 Beltane
is the seasonal midpoint between spring and summer.
Gaelic in origin, Beltane still celebrated in
Ireland and some other British Isles on or about
May 1 as a day for general celebration of Spring
and early Summer.
Celebrations and festivals of
Beltane occur in most Northern European/Germanic
nations (and to a lesser extent across the United
States).
May Day celebrations in Europe include bonfires,
green bough decorations, flower baskets and Maypole
dancing on the first of May. The
Maypole is a tall timber with all branches removed. Colorful ribbons are fastened
around the top of the Maypole.
The Maypole is erected in the
commons or village center and unmarried young
men and women dance in opposing circles around
it, holding the ribbons and interweaving them
during the dance. May baskets - small baskets
filled with flowers and decorated with ribbons
- are left secretly at the doors of neighbors,
shut-ins, and lovers on May 1.
 Lei
Day - Hawaii's May 1 Celebration
In Hawaii, May Day is known as Lei Day, a day
to celebrate flowers and beauty in a land of tropical
blossoms and exotic flora and faunt.
May
Holiday and May Celebration Resources
International
Labour Day
In many European and Asian countries, May 1 is
Labor Day, marked by a day of parades to honor
the workers who power industry - the labor force.
These parades may also feature a significant display
of military capacity and defense industry hardware,
particularly within Communist nations.
Cinco De Mayo - May 5
May
5 (Cinco de Mayo) is a Mexican festival
holiday that commemorates the overthrow of the
Mexican Imperial Monarchy headed by Maximilian
of Austria- while it's not the day offically celebrated
as Independence Day, it is most definitely a day
of fiesta and food - a perfect day to party and
enjoy a Tex
Mex meal, decorate
the house in red, white and green plus South of
the Border props, and party
on.
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