May 01

Lei Day, celebrated on May 1 in Hawaii, honors the tradition of making and wearing lei to convey aloha spirit. First proclaimed in 1927, the holiday recognizes the importance of lei in Hawaiian culture and daily life. Festivities include lei-making contests, parades, and hula performances showcasing native flowers, shells, and leaves. Participants learn various lei styles such as haku, kupe'e, and kukui nut designs through hands-on workshops. Schools and community centers host exhibitions illustrating the historical significance and modern adaptations of lei. Local businesses offer lei-making demonstrations, and artisans display unique floral arrangements. Lei Day fosters cultural pride, community engagement, and a deeper appreciation for Hawaii's floral artistry.

Calan Mai, known in Welsh as the first day of May, is a traditional festival marking the beginning of summer and the renewal of life. In Wales, communities celebrate with maypole dances, flower garlands, and feasting. Ancient Celtic customs include lighting bonfires and decorating homes with hawthorn branches. The festival honors the earth's rebirth and pays tribute to agricultural traditions. Modern celebrations may include folk music, dancing, and craft fairs in towns and villages. Calan Mai reflects Wales’s rich cultural heritage and connection to the natural world.

Beltane is a Gaelic festival celebrated on May 1 to mark the beginning of summer and the fertility of the land. Originating in Ireland and Scotland, the festival includes lighting bonfires and performing rituals to encourage growth and protection. Communities traditionally danced around maypoles and adorned homes with flowers and greenery. Ancient Celtic peoples believed the fires had purifying powers and would leap through the flames. Today, Beltane celebrations have been revived by neo-pagan groups and cultural enthusiasts. The festival honors nature’s cycles and fosters a sense of community and renewal.