May Day in UK

There's not a budding boy, or girl, this day,
But is got up, and gone to bring in May.
-Herrick,17th century English poet



Whilst first day of May is a recognized International Holiday(Labor Day) in many countries, here in UK, they are never bothered about it. They have their own first day of May which is the fifth of May this year. They call this day May Day. This is for the convenience of the general public, making this Monday a bank holiday, a day off from school and work ( not for my husband who is off to work offshore!*sigh*). But,well, Prisco has no school today and we are just here in the house doing the daily routine ( and Prisco will be watching his "Lazy Town", "Bob the Builder", etc.. today. We had finished reading our storybooks last weekend which we had borrowed from the library!).

What is May Day anyway? Historically, May Day originated from a Pagan Fertility Ritual filled with periods of sexual licence. People were known to go off into the woods in search of a tree for the Maypole, and whilst there indulge in various temporary sexual encounters. That is not very tamed way of celebrating May Day! hehehehe! Because of such unacceptable behaviour of sexual frivolity or unacceptable, untamed sexual practices towards May Day, the society drastically changed it and made a celebration that is more acceptable to the public. Hence the practice of MayPole Dancing ( ah, this is more acceptable form of celebration!). I hadn't personally witnessed a MayPole dancing but i researched and it is something like this ....
In Maypole dancing, the dancers dance in a circle each holding a coloured ribbon attached to a central pole. This is good, not very difficult dance! I might probably participate in the future!heheheh. It's as easy as "Going around the Mulberry Bush on a cold and frosty morning!)...

There are lots of celebrations on the month of May. Eventhough most of the celebrations are pagan in origin, May 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.

Hopefully, the month of May in Scotland will be merry and warm. I am really looking forward to it!!!!