The people of ancient Rome celebrated the first day of May by honoring Flora, the goddess of flowers. Flora was represented as a small statue wreathed in garlands. A procession of singers and dancers carried the statue to a beautiful blooming tree. May festivals spread to other parts of Europe. From early times, the English custom of “bringing in the May” meant roaming the countryside before dawn, gathering blossoms and branches to decorate houses and Maypoles. A towering Maypole was set up on the village green. The pole was usually the trunk of a tall birch tree, decorated with spring flowers. Villagers sang and danced around the Maypole in colorful costumes, often with wreaths filled with flowers adorning their heads.
May Day celebrations originated in ancient times as a way to express joy and gratitude for the renewal of spring. People throughout the world are celebrating this day with a variety of traditions. But whatever traditions have developed, the inspiration is the same: cultures have always been thankful for the return of spring. We believe that communal celebrations of the seasons are important in our lives today, as much as they were in ancient times. On April 30th, our school will be celebrating May Day at the City Hall lawn from 10 AM to 2 PM. As we join in song and dance to “bring in the May,” we deepen our sense of respect for the great rhythms of nature and the joy of being alive in this wonderful season.