Maypoles and the Labor Movement: What is May Day?

A few last April showers may bring May flowers in time for May Day on May 1—traditionally the day the world celebrates of the return of spring.

Although spring technically began March 20, it has only been in the past few weeks that temperatures have really risen.

This May, the Farmers' Almanac is predicting temperatures slightly cooler than average. The Weather Channel predicts temperatures slightly lower than average in for the first few days of the month, and notes the average high temperature throughout the month ranges from 73 to 78 degrees. 

History

Originally, ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated with dancing, wildflowers and food. According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, “Such rites originally may have been intended to ensure fertility for crops and, by extension, for livestock and humans, but in most cases this significance was gradually lost, so that the practices survived largely as popular festivities.”

Later, May Day became associated with the labor movement, and International Workers’ Day is celebrated as a holiday in at least 80 countries. In part, it commemorates the May 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago, when someone threw a bomb at police who were trying to break up a protest and a riot ensued.

If you have a May Day or International Workers' Day event, let us know about it in the comments and add it to our events calendar.

May in Alexandria

Here's what we're looking forward to this month in Alexandria:

• First Thursday kicks off in Del Ray on May 2.
• National Bike to Work Day is May 17.
• Cinema Del Ray starts May 18. Boutiques Give Back is also May 18, as is the first-ever Relay for Life event in Alexandria.
• Memorial Day weekend May 25 - 27. 

What we are not looking forward to: The emergence of the 17-year Brood II cicadas. 

What are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments.

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