Laughter Dreams Memories

Happy May Day

The first of May in Ireland as in many countries is a Holiday, Labour Day. Although May Day has been celebrated in Ireland since Pagan times. Bonfires were lit in celebration and as a means to banishing the long cold nights of winter. The tradition of lighting these fires is still carried out in the city of LImerick in the South West. I don't believe though it is a tradition that has been carried out since Pagan times but more a tradition that has seen some revival over the years. Another tradition of May day or La Bealtaine, Bealtaine being the Irish word for the month of May that survived up to the early 20th century is the hanging of May Boughs on the doors and windows of houses. May Boughs were commonly branches of Whitethorne bushes which bloom in May and is commonly called the May bush.......a pretty bush with white flowers. I wonder do they grow here in the US?? Note to self find out if Whitethorne grows here.....

Whitethorne

The French on the other hand on the first of May like to present each other with bouquets of Lilly of the Valley. This tradition apparantly started when on May 1st 1561 King Charles IX received a sprig of Lilly of the Valley as a lucky charm. He decided to present a sprig of the same to all the Ladies of the court and at the beginning of the 20th century it become the custom on the 1st of May to present a sprig of Lilly of the Valley as a symbol of springtime and the lady receiving the sprig would give a kiss in return. Today the French give bouquets of this beautiful and fragrant flower as a wish for Health and Happiness. I also believe that some people also hang it secretly on the doors of friends and realtives to wish them health and happiness. What a beautiful tradition....

Lilly of the Valley