May Day is the perfect way to let someone know you are
thinking of them. May 1st celebrations date back to the ancient Celtic holiday
of Beltane, the celebration of the beginning of summer. To them, it was a time
to celebrate growth, and they did this by holding bonfires, decorating their
homes with spring flowers, feasting, and visiting holy wells. May Day also
became associated with workers’ rights with the advent of International
Workers’ Day in 1904 and has become a national holiday in some countries. It is
a day to be grateful for our health, happiness, and our communities, and here
are 7 ways you can celebrate May Day at home.
1. Spring cleaning
Organizing and tidying up the house feels amazing,
especially now that we can open the windows wide to the spring air. Take this
time at home to dust those hard to reach spots, organize your cupboards and
closets, and donate any unwanted items. Maybe rearrange the room and decorate
with flowers in the spirit of the Celts.
2. Plant flowers or vegetables
May Day has long been associated with growth and this
is the perfect time to start a garden. Many herbs and vegetables even grow well
in pots if you don’t have a large plot for a garden. Planting flowers in your
yard will provide pleasure for you and your neighbors. Don’t forget the yellow
flowers. The Celts chose yellow flowers for their decorations at this time of
year, probably because they associated the color with fire.
3. Have a bonfire.
The Celts believed that the smoke and ashes from the
bonfire provided them protection for the year to come. No matter what you
believe, there is something magical about sitting outside under the stars
watching the embers glow. You can make s’mores or just enjoy the peace of the
evening and the warmth of the fire.
4. Bake a cake
Celts often included sweets in their May feasts and placed them outside to feed the fairies. You can enjoy the traditional recipes of a Beltane cake, Beltane oatcakes Make them berry yummy by adding Aronia berries), or honey oat cakes yourself. If your family has a favorite sweet treat, now is the time to make it. If your children are old enough, they can help, especially with the cleanup.
5. Have a picnic
Make something special and have a proper picnic
outside on a blanket or at your picnic table. Maybe even fire up the grill.
Playing outside in the fresh air helps you build up an appetite, and a picnic
provides an opportunity for you to sit down with your loved ones away from all
the screens to really connect and communicate.
6. Make a Maypole
A traditional Maypole is constructed with a large
wooden pole and decorated with long ribbons and flowers. Dancers then weave the
ribbons around the pole as they dance in a circle. If you can’t make a Maypole, maybe decorate a May Bush, which is usually a thorn bush, but any shrub
will do. The Celts decorated theirs with flowers, ribbons, and shells, but you
can use whatever you have around the house. Don’t forget to have a dance
party, too!
7. Make May baskets
Construct pretty May baskets and deliver them to your
friends or family. This is a great activity for children, and the May baskets
don’t have to be fancy. You can even make them out of paper cones and string. Remember,
after you place the basket at the door, ring the doorbell and hide so they get
a big surprise. Traditional May baskets include flowers and small treats.
Superberries Aroniaberry Concentrate or Gummies make an excellent addition to
your May baskets. Everyone will be delighted with these delicious and healthy
surprises.
