By Cassie Lee
May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants.
Ancient spring rites that related human fertility to crop fertility gave birth to most modern May Day festivities. May 1 is the traditional day to crown the May queen, dance around the maypole, perform mummers’ plays, and generally celebrate the return of spring. Although our Pilgrim fathers were horrified by these reminders of a pagan past and outlawed all such activities, the maypole dance remains an enduring event. In Great Britain, the custom of “bringing in the May” involves gathering “knots,” or branches with buds, on the eve or early morning of May 1. In England, a favorite branch is hawthorn. In Scotland and Wales, people choose the rowan, or mountain ash. In North America, we often select forsythia, lilac, or pussy willow branches to bring spring and the prospect of new life into our homes. Learn more about May Day here!
Question of the Day
What does auld lang syne mean?
Advice of the Day
Home Hint of the Day
Word of the Day
Tattoo
Puzzle of the Day
What is never out of sight?
In 1884, construction began on the world’s first skyscraper — the 10-story Home Insurance Co. building in Chicago.
In 1893, U.S. President Grover Cleveland opened the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
In 1898, during the Spanish-American war, forces under U.S. Navy Adm. George Dewey routed the Spanish fleet in the Philippines.
In 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City. At 102 stories, it was the world’s tallest building for 40 years.
In 1960, the Soviet Union shot down a United States U-12 spy plane flown by Francis Gary Powers, who was captured.
In 1971, Amtrak, the U.S. national rail service that combined the operations of 18 passenger railroads, went into service.
In 1985, President Ronald Reagan banned trade with Nicaragua to try to undermine the Sandinista government. President George H.W. Bush lifted the embargo in 1990.
In 1986, a Soviet Embassy official, in a rare visit to Congress, insisted that the Chernobyl nuclear accident was “not out of hand.”
In 1991, Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics stole his 939th base, making him the all-time leader.
In 1991, Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers pitched his record seventh no-hitter.
COURTESY www.almanac.com
