May Day at The Corner Café

Well, this year is flying and it is already May Day, which is traditionally a celebration of Spring.

It is celebrated in a lot of different cultures in the world.
It's a day of togetherness and rebirth and a chance to celebrate life with others as we know it.

Ok, I know this year it will be different but we can still enjoy May Day and especially if we are lucky enough to have some sunshine.

Mayday is one of the four Celtic cross-quarter days. It’s an astronomical holiday and falls between the March equinox and June Solstice. It originates from the Celtic name "Beltane". Beltane used to be a spring celebration that included dancing, singing, and bonfires, and house doors and animals were decorated with yellow May flowers and ribbons. In Ireland, people would visit special wells and the Beltane dew was supposed to bring beauty and youthfulness!

As the years went on, different cultures made their own traditions in accordance with their beliefs. Europeans and Americans celebrate it with flower crowns, maypole dancing and making lovely flower baskets to share with loved ones. In Hawaii, it is known as Lei Day, a celebration of the aloha spirit and the giving of flowers.

May Day is rich with celebrations of culture and folklore. There are fun traditions that have stayed over time, like creating little baskets with sweets and flowers. They were often left on the doorsteps of neighbours by the giver shouting “May basket” and running away.

Celebrations also include singing and dancing around a maypole, and I think this tradition is still carried out in some places. The pole is decorated with colourful ribbons and other items.
Spring flowers are picked and gifted to those you love.

So however you spend the day, have fun, and maybe carry out one of the older traditions and keep these old traditions going. Too many are disappearing nowadays.

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.