Thursday, May 1, 2008

Happy May First!

Alright, so it's May Day today. Now, I don't know about you, but I am not all that familiar with what May Day is all about. In fact, all I really know about it is that kids make May Day baskets, fill them with candy, put them on their friends' doorsteps, ring the doorbell and then run away. Is anyone else familiar with this phenomenon? I have been told that this may be a strange Iowa tradition. Anyway, since I don't know any more about it than that, I thought I would do a little research. And, here is what I found out.




May Day is an ancient pagan holiday that was celebrated by dancing around the maypole and crowning the May Queen. I guess, May 1st was also the first day of summer in these cultures, and May Day was a celebration of summer as well. Unfortunately, the article did not explain how May baskets fit into this equation, or why people wanted to run in circles around a pole. I guess I'll have to do some additional research...


Interestingly, I found out, however, that May first is not just May Day. It is also International Workers Day (which celebrates the 8 hour work day) in Europe. In the United States it is Loyalty Day (because International Workers Day was seen as being too subversive) and Law Day (can anyone tell me why don't I get this day off?)
And, although it doesn't always fall on May 1st, today is also the National Day of Prayer. So, please know that I am praying for each of you today. You are all very special to me, and I love you all. Just don't expect any May Day baskets on your doorstep. I don't celebrate any holiday that requires me to run anywhere. Well, unless it is to a really good sale *wink*!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

and unless there's a free t-shirt involved right? :) Love you too my friend. To twist the words of a famous song a bit...How did I live without you, I'll never know.

Kelly said...

Praying for you too Heather! Thanks for all of your encouragment!

Caroline said...

HEATHER THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY E-CARD.......I WAS THRILLED TO GET IT!!!! YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS!!!!!

HOW WAS YOUR WEATHER LAST NIGHT?????

Sarah said...

It has been a few days since I have been on anybody's blogs. You had a lot of great posts that I had to catch up on! Hope that you had a great weekend and are able to enjoy today's sunshine!

hayden said...

The scripture you gave is great...I have read that in Beth Moore's study, it is really nice to be reminded of that.

Julie said...

I've prayed for you this week and even this morning. Hoping everything is okay.