Around the beginning of May, the eagerly awaited spring finally arrives in Europe after the long winter. In Europe, May festivals are held on May 1 to mark the end of winter and the arrival of summer. For many, May Day brings to mind Labor Day, but it is only in recent times that it has come to bear that meaning. May Day is believed to derive from an ancient Roman festival in which prayers would be offered to Flora, the goddess of flowers and of spring, for a bountiful harvest later in the summer. A large tree trunk called a maypole would be erected in town and village squares, around which people would sing and dance and enjoy picnics. Today, merry festivals interlaced with flavors distinctive to each region are held.

Germany

In Germany, the maypole is called the Maibaum (May tree). Symbolizing growth and the renewal of the cycle of life in nature, the Maibaum is made from a conifer or birch tree from 25 to 55 meters tall and forms the focus of festive customs that differ from region to region. For example, in Rhineland and other western regions of Germany, romance often blossoms at this festival. Between the night of April 30 and morning of May 1, single men will place a small, decorated maypole with a label bearing the name of their sweetheart in front of her house. It’s said that if he is able to protect the maypole from rivals until sunrise on May 1, he will receive a lovely gift when the maypoles are taken down a month later.

Great Britain

In Great Britain, a May Queen is chosen from among young girls. Wearing a white gown and a flower tiara, she plays an important role, declaring the start of May Day celebrations, leading the parade and arranging dancing around the maypole. Another spectacle apart from the parade is the dancing. In one form, boys and girls or men and women each holding a colorful ribbon weave in and around each other as they dance around the maypole. Another form is the Morris Dance, a traditional folk dance performed by men wearing black silk hats and white shirts and with bells attached to their legs. This tradition is still observed today across many parts of Britain.