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SpunOut.ie Blog
Féile Bealtaine and May Day
Blog: Beannachtaí na Féile Bealtaine no SpunOut.ie.
The first of May is one of the most important days in the old Irish or 'Celtic' calendar, when it marked the beginning of one of the main annual celebrations at that time.
It represents the start of summer, the season of Bealtaine, which signals a time of purification, good luck and closeness with 'the other world'.
People in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and other Celtic parts celebrated Bealtaine with bonfires, dancing around May Poles and by hanging flowers and wreaths at their door. Many parents and grandparents will still remember these traditions.
Workers holiday
May Day also represents a traditional workers holiday, a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the trade union and labour movement throughout the world. Before these achievements, such as fair pay, safe conditions, holiday pay etc., workers were often exploited by their bosses.
May Day remains a workers holiday in many countries. In Ireland it is a public/bank holiday, which takes place on May 5th in 2008.
Here at SpunOut.ie we’re enjoying the start of summer with some time in the sunshine and virtual flowers for you. We hope you celebrate the start of summer in style!
