There are many holidays in the world. Each country has its own solemn days. Some states adopt traditions from each other, and then the red day of the calendar is celebrated in half the globe. May Day is one such occasion. The ancient Greeks and Romans began to celebrate it. And over the years, this holiday has spread throughout Europe. Now it is celebrated cheerfully in Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Russia, and Slovakia. The traditions and customs of this day are very interesting and varied.
The origins
In ancient Rome, the May Day holiday was called Mayuma. The culprit is the Mayan goddess. From the very early morning, people went out into forests, groves and gathered there young branches and shoots with which they decorated their houses. Merry music sounded on the streets, giving everyone an elated mood.
For all European nations, May 1 is a celebration of greenery, flowers and the awakening of nature. Maypole is a mandatory attribute that was installed on city squares and in the homes of residents. Then the fun began - decoration and decoration. The main role was played by the peeled trunk of a birch or pine. There was a crossbar in the middle. Garlands of flowers and ribbons were hung from her. Each resident of the city or village could contribute to the decoration of the trunk. When the May tree was ready, dances and dances began until the very morning!
Customs
There are many customs associated with this holiday. In Germany, putting a decorated tree under the window of a beloved is still considered the highest manifestation of feelings. Every girl is waiting for such a romantic recognition.
In Hungary, comic brides' auctions are held on this day, but many receive real offers of marriage.
In small villages, customs are not at all so sentimental. If residents quarrel among themselves with entire settlements, they need to steal from the enemies a stuffed rooster that is erected on a May tree as an ornament. Then crop failure and disasters are provided to their enemies all year long.
In some countries, May 1 is the day wages are paid to simple hard workers. They waited with bated breath for this day. To get your hard earned over the year. It was believed that shepherds should not sleep, otherwise the dark forces will lead the cattle. They made bonfires and arranged a celebration right in the middle of a field or grove. If all heads were intact in the morning, the farm laborer received a salary.
Ah, lilies of the valley
In sophisticated France, May 1 is called the festival of lilies of the valley. The whole city is fragrant with the delicate aroma of these flowers. In ancient times, girls came to dances around a maypole with a bouquet of lilies of the valley. If they handed this set of flowers to one of the guys, then they expressed their consent to enter into a legal marriage with him. That evening, lovers of hearts united, everyone was happy, tasted delicious treats and danced until the morning to cheerful music.
In Germany in ancient times, people on this day wove lilies of the valley wreaths and had fun until the flowers fade. As soon as the lilies of the valley lowered their heads down and faded, they were thrown together in a bonfire and made a wish.
Fertility
The Maypole festival has its roots in paganism. But with the advent of Christianity, the interpretation of this day has changed. It is believed that the Virgin Mary this night appears in a wreath of lilies of the valley to those who are destined for unexpected happiness. Everyone is looking forward to such a vision.
Christian priests wanted to eradicate this holiday, because it happened right on Easter. But nothing came of it. Maypole is a symbol of fertility, the revival of nature from hibernation, life, health. Despite everything, it is decorated every year. The pillar itself - the trunk, symbolizes the axis around which the Earth rotates. And ribbons and garlands are a symbol of the creation of the world. Some interpret it differently: a pillar and ribbons are like a man and a woman who will always be together.
There is another version of the occurrence of the holiday. The night of revelry of sorcerers and witches precedes him - Walpurgis Night. And in the morning, a decorated tree or pillar indicates that good triumphed!
Kidnappers
One of the fun traditions is to contrive and steal the Maypole at night in the neighboring village. There are strict rules for this action. If when the thieves appeared, the tree guards managed to touch the trunk - the tree remains in place. But if they managed to distract them and the kidnapper touched the ground under the tree three times with a shovel, you will have to say goodbye to the attribute of this holiday. The tree is taken to a neighboring city and set next to his. Festivities around the elegant trophy begin.
Some people have never heard of such a holiday. They will be helped to plunge into this atmosphere and consider the May tree photo. In each country, the symbols of the holiday look different. There is a beautiful, sanded pillar, hung with red ribbons. There is also just a stick, on top of which a wreath of young green twigs flaunts. Each of the “trees” is unusual and creative.
The traditions and methods of celebration are different for everyone. But this holiday brings people joy and unity, wherever they live. Therefore, it has been celebrated for many years, and no one is going to refuse such a noisy walk!