May Day traditionally celebrates springtime and new life. The holiday has its roots in a variety of celebrations throughout time. People of many countries and cultures have adopted May Day as it has no religious or nationalistic associations. Singing and dancing around a maypole is a ritual dating back to medieval times when young girls and boys would dance around a pole holding colorful streamers or ribbons. The tradition of the May Day basket was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. A basket is filled with flowers, treats and cones. Custom suggests that it is left at the recipient's door. The giver then loudly announces, "May basket!" and runs away.

The early days of May and the season which coincides with them carry a whisper of personal favoritism among joyous times of the year. The early spring snows and cool, rainy days have generally subsided. Blossoms of varied hues adorn the neighborhoods and gardens of our city. Hours of daylight increase; Evenings become comfortably placid. The reminiscences which skitter upon the exterior fringes of my mind historically associated with the first day of this month remain vague and scattered; Mental visions of maypoles take root from the viewing of old movies.

  

Dianne Gauger is a beloved Caledonia local and writer.

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