So, what is the history of May Day? I'm glad you asked. For me, it's about celebrating Mary, the Mother of Jesus. And with Mother's Day less than two weeks away, what better way to celebrate such a beautiful month.
In Ireland, May Day has been celebrated since pagan times as the feast of Bealtaine and in latter times as Mary's day. Traditionally, bonfires were lit to mark the coming of Summer and to banish the long nights of Winter.
In France, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of Springtime on May 1.
In the United States, May Day was once celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These are small baskets usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The giver rings the bell and runs away. The person receiving the basket tries to catch the fleeing giver. If they catch the person, a kiss is exchanged.
So on this May Day, I wish you a sweet Springtime, and with lovely thoughts of Summer, may all your gardens be beautiful.
Happy May Day (a day late) and what a beautiful necklace!
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