Coloring Book May Holidays

May Holidays, also known as May Day, is the spring celebration period, which usually takes place in the first days of May.

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Tradition and Meaning: May Day festivities have a long history and are associated with the celebration of the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature after winter. The celebrations are joyous in nature and are often associated with folklore practices, rituals and dances that symbolize the joy of the return of warmer days.

Rituals and customs:

1. May and May: In many countries, including Poland, it is a tradition to celebrate the Mayfair (May 1) as Labor Day. It is a day off from work, and many people go out for walks, picnics and festivals.
2. May Tree: In some regions, people hang maypole tree - traditionally decorated pole or tree, often with garlands of flowers and colorful ribbons. It is a symbol of nature's rebirth and flowering.
3. Flowers and wreaths: During the May Holidays, especially on May 1, it is common to give yourself a lilies, lily of the valley and other spring flowers. Many people also create floral garlands per head.
4. Dances and games: In some countries, spring celebrations include dances and outdoor games. It is a time when people come together to play together in clearings, parks or squares.
5. Fire and Midsummer Night: In some regions the night of April 30 to May 1 is celebrated as midsummer night or bear night, and rituals involving fire and dancing reflect ancient beliefs related to nature.

May Day holidays in different countries:

• Poland: In Poland, May 1 is a labor holiday, as well as the traditional May Day, when people go out for walks and picnics, and wreaths with ribbons are hung on the doors of homes.
• Spain: In Spain Noche de Brujas (Witches' Night) is the night from April 30 to May 1, during which people gather on the beaches and celebrate with tangles around a bonfire.
• Sweden: In Sweden it is celebrated Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) on April 30, and the tradition is to light bonfires and sing songs.
• Germany: In Germany Walpurgisnacht is celebrated similarly, with fire rituals meant to ward off evil spirits.
• England: In England and some countries of the Anglo-Saxon calendar, May Day (May First) is a time of dancing and celebration in public squares.

trivia 

1. Origin of the name: The name "May Day" is derived from the month of May. It is a popular form of describing the May Holiday period, which is associated with the arrival of spring.
2. Fire Rites: In some countries, such as Sweden, Germany and Poland, the fire rituals associated with May Day are a legacy of ancient beliefs. Fire was believed to have the power to ward off evil powers and spirits.
3. May Queens: In some regions, May Day celebrations involve the selection of a May Queen or King May. This person represents the charm and freshness of spring.
4. Flower garlands: Creating flower garlands is a popular custom during the May Holidays. The garlands usually contain flowers and greens, and girls wear them on their heads during the celebration.
5. Connections to Norse mythology: The festival of Walpurgisnacht has its roots in Old Germanic and Norse beliefs. It is named after the saint Walburga, but the holiday itself has ties to ancient spring rituals.
6. Midsummer Night: The night from April 30 to May 1, known as Midsummer Night, is celebrated in many countries as a time of dances, bonfires and rituals associated with magic and ancient beliefs.
7. The influence of Christianity: In the Christian calendar, the May Holidays are associated with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and celebrations in honor of Saint Walburga, who was a missionary and nun.
8. May Day vs. Labor Day: In many countries, May 1 is celebrated as Labor Day, providing an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the achievements of the labor movement.
9. Folk traditions: Many regions have their own unique traditions related to May Day. Rituals, dances and customs vary according to culture and local beliefs.
10. Celebrations in different parts of the world: Although traditions may vary, May Day festivities are celebrated in many countries around the world, and the joy of the arrival of spring and warmer days is universal.