The first of May—it brings more than the promises of blooming flowers, it brings the historic celebration of May Day.
The origin of May Day dates back to the ancient times of the Druids on the British Isles. A festival known as Beltane was thought to be the most important day of the year, because it divided the year in half. When the Romans took over the British Isles, the five-day celebration of Floralia overtook previous rituals in celebrating seasonal change. This celebration was devoted to Flora, the goddess of flowers. Eventually the traditions and rituals of Floralia were woven in with those of Beltane to create May Day—the ultimate celebration of spring!
Whether you stick to tradition or make your own, these are four ways to join the celebration.
Make Your Own Maypole
Maypoles are one of the most common symbols of May Day. You may have even seen trees draped with long colorful ribbon encircled around the trunk and swathed over the branches to make a May Pole. To create your own, find a small tree, and attach long ribbons to the branches, or find a long pole or piece of wood that can be dug into the ground so it won’t sway. Adding fresh (or handmade) flowers to the top of the pole can add to the feeling of spring. Once the tree or pole is ready, each person takes hold of the end of a ribbon, and, in a circular motion, dances around the pole as the base becomes covered in colors!
Have a Bonfire
Bonfires are a tradition in Germanic culture on May Day. It was thought that the fire would provide protection from any harm. If you want to stick to traditions, these fires usually take place on April 30 into the early morning hours of May 1—just be cautious that the fire is kept under control. Storytelling and live music are a great way to get together around the fire and enjoy the coming of spring. Add in some fire-roasting treats like s’mores, and you’re guaranteed a good time!
Have a May Day Picnic
The coming of spring brings not only fresh flowers but also fresh fruits and veggies! You can’t have a picnic without food, so make sure to pile on the seasonal treats. In the northern hemisphere, that includes strawberries, blueberries, plums, snow peas, and broccoli. Get creative with these seasonal gems, and turn them into salads, desserts, or side dishes.
About the Author
Ryan Christensen
Responsive, Responsible and Resourceful - How Real Estate Should Be. This is the foundation of our continued success: responsive service, providing accurate and timely information, and demystifying the process. 100% of my business is referral based because I listen to my clients' needs and exceed their expectations. As a full-time real estate broker, I am the best advocate for both my buyers and sellers. I am always available, regardless of the time of day.
Being a native Southern Californian is a tremendous advantage. I know the area. Time is more valuable than money, but neither can be wasted. And, I'm a fan of hard work. My clients can enjoy their home buying and/or selling experience because I provide a trusting, focused, straightforward approach. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and find joy in homeownership.
I am both a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Others choose to concentrate on one or the other. I provide a higher level of service and expertise than those who do not obtain this dual skill set, which differentiates me from other service providers. My decisions and advice are based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. I use Real Estate Sales as a tool to make sure my clients get the home that meets or exceeds their needs. As a Mortgage Broker, I search for the best loans so I can offer lower rates and pricing than my financing competition. This certainly IS in the client's best interest.