Happy May Day !
The May Day we know today is rooted in the pre-Christian festival of Bealtaine, which was celebrated on May 1st to mark the beginning of summer. Bealtaine was also one of the key quarterly days in the traditional Irish calendar to mark the changing of the seasons.
Other important dates included St Brigid’s Day on February 1st to celebrate the start of spring, Lúnasa on August 1st to mark the beginning of Autumn, and Samhain on November 1st to mark the start of winter.
Bealtaine festivities featured an abundance of flowers, dancing, and bonfires to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of summer. At this time, many people also sought protection for themselves, their property, and their families against supernatural forces.
With the arrival of Christianity, May became a month dedicated to Our Lady with May Processions and May Crownings. The Church Feast Day celebrated today is that of St. Joseph the Worker. Happy May Day to all.
