Today marks the beginning of May. It used to be a day of celebration in the old Soviet Union and other communist countries around the world. Aren't too many of those left anymore. So I don't know how much celebrating there is going on today in the communist block. Maybe in Cuba or China or Viet Nam. Communist countries celebrate May Day because of its labor connections (it's commonly known as international worker's day or labour day (which is not the same as the U.S. Labor Day because it's missing the "u" and happens in September)).
When you look way back, May Day has its roots in the Celtic (not Boston Celtic) Beltane celebrations and the Germanic Walpurgis Night (the W is pronounced like a V). And in pre-Christian Europe, May 1 was the first day of summer.
Then there is the mayday radio call signal for help. But it has nothing to do with May or summer or labourers (with a u). That actually comes from the French venez m'aider, meaning 'come help me.' Which is a call we might be hearing from some of the former communist and not so former communist countries these days. A lot of people being in need of help.
Happy Beltane!
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About Me
- Mark Gorman
- I was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna River, in the valley made up by Bald Eagle Mountain to the south, and gentle hills and valleys to the north. That place that sheltered me, gave me food and friends, and both physical and spiritual nourishment for 18 years. That is the space where I was physically and emotionally formed. Ever since growing up there . . . because of growing up there . . . I have been inexorably linked to nature . . . to the earth and to all life.