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May Day

May Day has been around for centuries and occurs on May 1st every year. Like many holidays, it has pagan origins, but eventually became Christianized. Its celebrations mark the beginning of Spring and the day is associated with fertility. Ancient Romans celebrated with a five day festival devoted to the gods and goddesses of nature and fertility. However, after the rule of the Roman Empire, it became tied with the beginning of the agricultural season and eventually was just regarded as day for general meriment. Since its the beginning of Spring, anything you purchase or activities you pursue on that day should go along with that theme. Outdoor activies such as picnics or cookouts are a great way to celebrate the Spring and the warm weather. Flowers make great May Day gifts and decorations. Use or do anything that comes to mind when you hear the word Spring. Today, some traditions still survive, but as with many holidays, don't retain the same meaning and purpose they started out with. Here are some that have stuck around. !

Traditions

Maypole

* Maypoles are tradionally made from maple and are usually adorned with flowers and ribbons which hang from the top. They are taken out on May 1st to symbolize fertility and are danced around by townspeople in a traditional Maypole dance. * In a maypole dance, each dancer holds a ribbon that is attached to the top of the pole. They then dance in a circle around the pole to create a web pattern on the pole. Afterwards they dance backwards, retracing their exact steps, until they fully unravel the ribbons. * In some regions of the United Kingdom, its traditonal to make what look like mini maypoles. 

Morris Dancing

* Morris Dancing is an English folk dance as well as another widely practiced tradition that is used on May Day. * It is usually performed by a group of rehearsed dancers. Traditionally, it was used to ensure a good crop and growing season, but today it is performed in parades or on stages. * There are several different styles that are named after the town they originated in.

May Day Run

* May Day Run is an annual race that takes place on May 1st. It is usually done with motorbikes, but differs in each region. * It is usually done to raise money for a variety of different charities.

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