So, May is now upon us! And while I love winter, snow specifically, meaning I still like to ski, by April, I am ready for Spring, summer, kayaking, biking and, yes, even tourists! But it all starts with May first, or May Day. So, I went to my writing partner, CHATGPT, to learn really what May Day is all about. So, if the facts are wrong, don’t blame me.

Originally, according to Chat, May Day comes from European pagan celebrations marking the arrival of Spring, especially fertility, growth, and renewal. One well-known example is Beltane, celebrated in Ireland and Scotland. This ancient seasonal festival marks the beginning of summer in Celtic tradition. The name is interpreted as “bright fire” or “Bel’s Fire,” referring to sacred bonfires lit to protect people, livestock and crops.

Depending on what generation you are from, you might even be familiar with customs like, Maypole dancing, where people dance around a tall pole decorated with ribbons, weaving patterns as they move. I actually remember doing that in elementary school back in the early 50’s. Then there is the tradition of making May baskets, small baskets of flowers or treats left anonymously on neighbor’s doorsteps.

I remember living in Hawaii where they really celebrate May Day! In Hawaii, May Day is one of the most colorful and meaningful cultural celebrations of the year. It is called “Lei Day!” A “lei” is a made up of various flowers native to Hawaii and is worn around your neck as a symbol of ALOHA, meaning love, respect, and connection. It is vibrant, communal, and rooted in cultural expression.

In Maine, again according to Chat but I think is likely true, May Day tends to feel more like a quite, old-fashion welcome to Spring than a big public festival.

While May Day celebrations are fun to think about, reality is that it is time to go to work! Cleaning up the yard, getting out the deck and yard furniture, getting the boat ready to go in the water, and start planning on what flowers, vegetables, etc. to plant in the gardens this year.

And while I am at it, when you are cleaning out your garage, getting ready to move in your summer supplies, the American Legion Yard sale would love to help you get rid of the stuff you don’t want to store another season. This year the Sale is Aug 8th and again on Boothbay Common. There is plenty of room at the Legion Hall, so they are ready to accept your “stuff” anytime. As in the past, everyone is invited to hold their own yard sale on the Common with us.

Time to enjoy coffee on the deck!