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Unusual May Day Traditions Across the World

In the UK, May Day is commonly associated with Morris dancing and maypoles. However there are many other weird and wonderful ways of marking a day which is usually linked to the arrival of spring.

As experienced organisers of commercial and domestic removals to Europe, Hamiltons Removals are extremely knowledgeable about the unusual customs and practices across the continent and worldwide. Here are five countries who have unusual May 1 traditions.

Germany

In Germany, the celebrations begin the night before on what is known as Walpurgisnacht, or Witches’ Night. Residents dance around a large bonfire to ward off evil spirits, and this usually goes on until the following day. April 30 was originally believed to be the day that the country’s witches met Satan in the country’s Harz Mountains.

On May 1 itself, Germans often put up a Maibaum or May tree. This is often accompanied by parades, brass band music and plenty of food and drink. The tree is often stripped back to the trunk and decorated with flowers, colourful ribbons and woodcarvings. It pays to keep an eye on it, as it may be stolen by a neighbouring parish and a ransom, usually in the form of beer, must be paid to get it back.

Sweden

The Swedes also mark Walpurgisnacht, although here it is called Valborg. Bonfires are lit, but choral singing rather than dancing is the order of the day. Traditional songs are sung to herald the arrival of spring. On May 1, there are a number of parades throughout the streets, although these are more to honour International Workers’ Day.

Greece

The Greeks also use May 1 to celebrate the arrival of spring. Flower festivals are common in many cities and towns, while many people decorate their home with a wreath, traditionally with wild flowers on a background of green leaves. The wreath is then hung over the front door or a balcony until Midsummer Night, when it is ceremonially burned in a bonfire to make the St John’s Eve festival.

Another unusual tradition is for children to rise early on May Day to search for the first swallow of spring. Once the right sort of bird is found, the youngsters go from door to door, singing spring songs, and are rewarded with cakes, fruit and nuts.

Bulgaria

Bonfires also form an integral part of May Day commemorations in Bulgaria, where the occasion is called Irminden, and they are lit to scare off snakes and lizards. Bulgarian tradition says that that snakes come out during the festival of the Annunciation from March 25 onwards, followed by their ‘King’ on May 1. If you work in the fields on that day, legend says you will be bitten by a snake during the summer. To avoid this, people light bonfires, and make lots of noise or jump over the flames, to scare the unwanted visitors away.

The USA

Although May Day celebrations have not really caught on throughout North America, in some areas people make May baskets as an expression of love. These are filled with gifts or flowers, and then the admirer leaves in on a front step, rings the doorbell and runs away. If the receiver spots the giver, tradition dictates that they give chase and try to steal a kiss from the basket-maker.

Hamiltons Removals offer removals services to Europe, including to Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Our international removals department can help you with commercial and domestic moves to the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and many other worldwide destinations. Follow the link above if you would like to receive a quote.