Happy May Day! Blossoms, Maypoles, and Roman Goddesses

May Day, observed on May 1, is a holiday with ancient origins and a rich tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring. Its history stretches back to pre-Christian Europe and is particularly rooted in Roman traditions.

Floralia by Antonio María Reyna Manescau (1888)

The Romans celebrated Floralia, a festival held in honor of Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring. This festival was marked by games, theatrical performances, and the decoration of public spaces with flowers, all intended to welcome the return of warmth and abundance after winter.

Building on these Roman roots, European communities would gather to honor fertility, renewal, and the blossoming of nature with lively festivals that brought people together in a spirit of joy and hope for the coming summer. The maypole dance is one of these early celebrations' most iconic and enduring customs.

Dance around the Maypole, by Pieter Brueghel the Younger (16th century).

In villages and towns, people would raise a tall pole, often decorated with flowers and colorful ribbons, in a central place. Children and adults alike would dance around the maypole, weaving the ribbons into intricate patterns as a tribute to nature’s vitality and the promise of new growth. This communal dance symbolized unity and the interconnectedness of the community.

Another cherished tradition is the giving of flowers. On May Day morning, it became customary in many regions to gather fresh spring blooms and create small baskets or bouquets. These were left anonymously on the doorsteps of friends, neighbors, and loved ones as a gesture of goodwill and to spread happiness.

The delight of discovering a fragrant bundle of flowers at one’s door was meant to foster kindness and strengthen community bonds. Alongside these customs, some communities also crowned a May Queen, who represented the spirit of spring, and lit bonfires to bless livestock and ensure good fortune.

As Christianity spread across Europe, some May Day customs blended with religious observances. In Catholic communities, May became a month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with traditions such as crowning her statue with flowers and holding processions. The holiday’s focus on flowers and renewal made it a natural fit for these new religious meanings, and May Day continued to be a time of both celebration and reflection.

Over the centuries, how May Day is celebrated has evolved, but many traditional elements remain. In parts of Europe and North America, maypole dances are still held in schools and villages, and the custom of leaving flower baskets endures in some communities. While not as universally observed as in centuries past, these rituals continue to mark the day as a special time to welcome spring, express goodwill, and connect with both nature and neighbors.

May Day, William Collins (1812).

May Day today stands as a joyful reminder of the rhythms of the natural world and the enduring power of tradition. Whether through dancing, sharing flowers, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, people continue to celebrate the spirit of renewal and togetherness that has defined May Day for generations.