Happy May Day! Here's everything to know about the holidays celebrated on May 1
The emerging sun and flourishing flowers mean that spring is in full bloom at the beginning of May. A time for celebration of the end of winter and the start of a new season, May 1 is a time for joyous festivities.
May 1 not only ushers in the beginning of summer but is also celebrated by multiple different cultures around the world. From Europe to North America and many places in between, May 1 is a symbolic day representing renewal and rebirth.
Here's everything you need to know about the different holidays celebrated on May 1.
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What is May Day?
May 1, or May Day, has been celebrated for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe.
Also known as Beltane in many parts of Europe, this festival celebrates the beginning of summer and open pasturing. It is traditionally the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, and is one of the Celtic cross-quarter days.
Traditions of celebrating May Day include lighting bonfires, performing Maypole dances and crowning a May queen with wildflowers.
When is May Day?
May Day is celebrated on May 1. In 2024, that day falls on a Wednesday.
How Hawaiians celebrate May 1
Officially recognized as a statewide holiday in 1929, the first of May also celebrates the aloha spirit in Hawaii.
Lei Day is a time to make, give and receive leis. In Hawaii, a traditional lei is a wreath of fresh flowers, leaves or shells and represents community, love and friendship.
May 1 is also International Workers' Day
May 1 is also known as International Workers' Day, a holiday commemorating the advancements of labor rights worldwide.
International Workers' Day reminds us of the historical struggles of workers and the continued need for social justice in the workplace.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What holiday is May 1? Your guide to May Day
