How did it get to be May already? May means Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan. A time to celebrate those who came from The Netherlands to settle in west Michigan. The streets are lined with tulips along the curbs, parades, kloppen dancing in the streets, and yummy food—not just the regular fair food like elephant ears and pop corn but also Dutch delicacies like oliebollen (Dutch donuts) and almond bankets (flaky crust wrapped around a delicious almond paste filling).
First, though, today is May Day. In many countries, it’s International Workers Day. In other countries like the U.S., it marks the return of Spring. Like many holidays, May Day is rooted in agriculture. Fields are starting to sprout and cattle are driven to pasture. People gather flowers and decorate their doors, even their animals. If you want good luck, be sure to wash your face in the morning dew.
This Thursday is my favorite day of celebration. It’s Star Wars Day. Why you May ask. Think: May the fourth be with you. I know, kind of corny, but us Star Wars fans can be a little corny/crazy.
On the second Sunday in May in the U.S., we celebrate Mother's Day, both our biological mothers as well as the mothers of our hearts.
Why talk about holidays? In our stories, we can use the concept of holidays in the worlds we build. In my Outer Rim series, the people on one planet celebrate Matriarch’s Day, which I modeled after Mother’s Day. I’m sure many of you have written about similar events.
So, enjoy the month of May.
9 comments:
Don't forget my birthday month - just the number of years. And Memorial Day. I've been taking my guys to the parade since they were toddlers - this year they can take me!
Up here in Canada, we have the May 2-4 long weekend during the third weekend of May. It's supposed to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday, but it's actually the first major gardening weekend in this area. By then, we're not supposed to get any more major frost. Have a great May, Diane! And have a fabulous birthday, Nancy!
Nancy, big oops on both your birthday 🙂 and Memorial Day. Have fun at the parade.
Jessica, my dad always said you shouldn’t put in plants until Memorial Day because of frost. The way this year is going with crazy winter returning often this spring I don’t know if his advice holds. LOL
My oldest son was born mid-May but I won't be spending his birthday with him. He lives in the UK. Other May events--my wonderful dad was also born mid-May.
Happy May Day, everyone.
The college my daughters attend has a May Day celebration each year. They held it yesterday, although it rained. But it's a nice tradition.
Linda, lots of birthday celebrations in May for your family.
Maureen, that is a nice tradition.
Enjoyed your post. Yep we celebrate Star Wars Day. Mother's Day, can't believe its coming up already. Love that Spring has finally showed up, even in the Colorado Rockies.
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