Maypoles and International Workers' Day: What is May Day?

A few last April showers may bring May flowers in time for May Day on May 1 — traditionally the day the world celebrates of the return of spring.

Although spring technically began March 20, it has only been in the past few weeks that temperatures have really risen. (In fact, it was so chilly in the DC metro area in late March that the National Park Service had to push back the peak bloom dates for our famous Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms.)

This May, the Farmer's Almanac is predicting temperatures slightly cooler than average. The Weather Channel predicts temperatures slightly lower than average in for the first few days of the month, and notes the average high temperature throughout the month ranges from 73 to 78 degrees. 

History

Originally, ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated with dancing, wildflowers and food. According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, “Such rites originally may have been intended to ensure fertility for crops and, by extension, for livestock and humans, but in most cases this significance was gradually lost, so that the practices survived largely as popular festivities.”

Later, May Day became associated with the labor movement, and International Workers’ Day is celebrated as a holiday in at least 80 countries. In part, it commemorates the May 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago, when someone threw a bomb at police who were trying to break up a protest and a riot ensued.

If you have an May Day or International Worker's Day event — or any other event this month — let us know about it in the comments and add it to our events calendar.

May in McLean

Here's what we're looking forward to this month in McLean:

• The Women's Club of McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour is May 1.
• Mother's Day is May 12. 
• The McLean Community Center Board of Governor's elections are heating up.
• McLean Day is May 18.
• Memorial Day weekend is May 25 - 27.

What we're not looking forward to as much: Those 17-year Brood II cicadas emerging this month. 

What are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments!