Nihil, it is quite possible that thirty-six years ago, the English wanted you to believe that May Day was a celebration for Socialist workers, although I am not sure why! May Day is actually pre-Christian in origin, an ancient celebration of spring fertility, probably starting with Norse mythology if I understand correctly. Children in English villages have been dancing around May poles since people have been living there.
The Socialists simply appropriated the day for their own, much like the Christians chose December 25 as Christ's birthday because there was already a huge celebration of the Winter Solstice going on, although Jesus was not born then. Through history, adopting pagan holidays as your own has been used to gain recognition for new religions. Although I am not sure socialism is exactly having a growth spurt or will be around forever!! Nice try, though.
Anyway, the pole represents the masculine, and the soft ribbons woven around it by dancing represent the feminine. It is a MAJOR holiday for witches, as well as the day I chose to be married, and I can tell you for sure I wasn't honoring the labor movement!
Interestingly enough, paganism is the most rapidly growing religion in England, as attendance at Christian churches has dropped off radically. Many people are trying to get in touch with their Druidic roots.
Here is a little witchy url about May Day, also known as Beltane:
wiccan.com |
