May Day

May Day, celebrated on May 1st every year, is a holiday with a rich history that varies depending on where you are in the world. It has been celebrated vertically, horizontally, diagonally, upside down, and even underwater.

In Europe, the holiday originated as a pagan festival to celebrate the return of spring. People would dance around Maypoles, which were giant phallic symbols that represented fertility. They would also partake in feasts and frolics, which was basically an excuse to eat a lot of food and drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

In America, May Day is often associated with labor unions and workers’ rights. We celebrate it by not working, which is ironic since it’s supposed to be about working. It’s like celebrating your birthday by pretending it’s not your birthday.

But one of the most interesting things about May Day is the tradition of the May Day basket. This is where you fill a basket with flowers, candy, or other goodies, and then leave it on a neighbor’s doorstep. It’s a way to spread joy and cheer, but it’s also a great opportunity to prank people. For example, you could fill the basket with fake spiders, or put a whoopee cushion inside.

In some countries, May Day is also known as International Workers’ Day. This is a day for workers to march and protest for better wages and working conditions. It’s also a day for police to use excessive force and tear gas.

So, whether you’re dancing around a Maypole, protesting in the streets, or leaving a basket of fake spiders on your neighbor’s doorstep, May Day is a holiday that you should definitely celebrate. Or not. It’s up to you.