May Day Bank Holiday 🌼
In Poland, “Majówka” means BBQs and getaways – but what does the long May weekend look like in the UK? 🤔
The May Day Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday of May and is a public holiday celebrated with traditions that welcome the arrival of spring.
- 🟢 Maypole Dance
A charming tradition where children and adults dance around a tall pole decorated with colorful ribbons, weaving intricate patterns as they move. This dance has ancient roots and is closely tied to springtime celebrations.
- 🟢 Morris Dancing
Across towns and villages, you can catch performances of this traditional English folk dance. Dancers dressed in white, adorned with bells and bright ribbons, perform choreographed routines in groups – typically six dancers. It’s a lively, ritualistic spectacle filled with energy and color.
- 🟢 May Morning in Oxford
A truly unique tradition! On May 1st at dawn, the choir of Magdalen College sings from the top of the chapel tower. Locals gather on Magdalen Bridge to greet the spring together. In the past, brave souls even leapt into the River Cherwell from the bridge!
- 🟢 Beltaine – Celtic Roots
In Scotland and parts of England, the May celebrations echo the ancient Celtic festival of fire – Beltaine – believed to bring fertility and prosperity. In Edinburgh, the Beltaine Fire Festival lights up the night with dramatic performances, flames, dance, and vivid costumes.
Held from the night of April 30th to May 1st, Beltaine marked the beginning of summer, known as the “fires of Belenos” or Cethsamhain – the counterpoint to Samhain. In ancient times, household fires were extinguished and relit from sacred flames kindled by druids. Cattle were driven between two bonfires, as a blessing to protect them from misfortune and illness. This tradition survived in parts of rural Ireland well into modern times.
