Floral traditions: May Day
The first day of the month of May is known as May Day. It is the time of year when warmer weather begins and flowers and trees start to blossom. It is said to be a time of love and romance. It is when people celebrate the coming of summer with lots of different customs that are expressions of joy and hope after a long winter.
Many of these customs are celebrated during the weekend before the May Day Bank Holiday: the first Monday in May. Garlands are made, a May Queen will be chosen, Morris Dancers appear and children dance around a Maypole. In some towns local customs are celebrated on other dates in May and might be called oakapple day or Garland Day.
Roman festival of Flora
Although summer does not officially begin until June, May Day really marks its beginning. May Day celebrations have their origins in the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers, which marked the beginning of summer. It was held annually from April 28th to May 3rd. This is still celebrated in Helston in Cornwall where they have an annual Floral Dance which involves the whole town.
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