The 1st of May…. a special day.

Here we are at the midpoint between the seasons of Spring and Summer. All the traditional festivals have been taking place around England, and indeed across Europe and the wider world; May-Pole dancing, Morris dancing, celebrating the May Queen, Jack-In-The-Green, and most notably the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the top of the Great Tower. This tradition dates back to the 17th Century, when a Fellow of the college composed a special piece for May morning.

Many of these traditions found their way over to America with the first settlers, and the crowning of the May Queen and May-Pole dancing events, along with May-baskets filled with candy or flowers given as gifts for children still take place across the United States. Have a great 1st of May celebration!