I always loved the idea of May Day. Traditionally, you go to the home of a friend, ring the doorbell, set a basket of flowers on their doorstep and then quickly leave before the door is opened. Unfortunately, in this part of the country there are few flowers in early May, so I have never known the thrill of delivering a surprise bouquet to a mystified recipient; nor have I ever received such a gift. The first of May has been celebrated throughout the centuries, in many different traditions. Some of the earliest known celebrations were the Festival of Flora for the Roman goddess of flowers. In early Gaelic and Wiccan traditions, it was known as Beltane, a festival in which the element of fire was used to symbolize the bringing forth of new life. The Phoenix rises from the ashes. Today, scientists have recognized the importance of fire in forests, as this also brings forth new growth. Dancing around may-poles and bonfires, and the appearance of the Green Man in English country celebrations, symbolizes fertility and new life. This may very well be the most exciting day of the year, but sadly, it hasn’t received the public popularity that Christmas and Easter are afforded.
Maybe it is time to begin re-imagining what we believe to be worthy of celebrations. I believe the old traditions of Christmas and Easter have worn themselves out. They have become gross and distorted versions of themselves through capitalism. A couple of weeks ago marked the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day, but it remains a day that goes by relatively unnoticed. People put up monuments to mark 9-11, and to commemorate wars and fallen soldiers, but not nearly enough attention is given to our earth and the many natural cycles that we should revere. Today will probably go by unnoticed by most people, but I will find a way to celebrate the new life that is all around me. Blessed be!
