May Day & Flowers

This is a gardening blog, but that doesn't mean we always have to discuss the scientific side of gardening. Today is the 1st of May, also known and celebrated around the world as May Day. Flowers play a part in many May Day celebrations, so I figured it wouldn't be TOO far off topic to discuss May Day and the celebrations that make it popular worldwide - via a quick look at some May Day "factoids".

One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of spring flowers and/or other small gifts on a neighbor's doorknob. The trick is you don't want the neighbor to see you! If you get caught, you are supposed to get a kiss. I guess how "secretive" you are depends on how attractive you find your neighbor!!!

In London, May Day is celebrated with the children going from house to house. They bring flowers and get pennies in return. The pennies are then thrown into a wishing well. The pennies are then donated to charity.

In France, cows play an important role in May Day. The cows are led in parades with many flowers attached to their tails. The people watching the parade try to touch the cows; it is believed to be good luck.

So, let's celebrate this May Day, this gorgeous first day of May, full of sunshine and warmth, by making a small bouquet out of the flowers you've tended all through early spring and giving them to a friend or neighbor. Make May Day a great day for someone you care about!