Happy May Day

 "'Tis like the birthday of the world,
When earth was born in bloom;
The light is made of many dyes,
The air is all perfume:
There's crimson buds, and white and blue,
The very rainbow showers
Have turned to blossoms where they fell,
And sown the earth with flowers."
-  Thomas Hood

 "The folk celebrations of early May in Europe began as a celebration of life and fertility, the time for planting of crops and vegetable gardens, and for the regeneration of life that comes with increased sunlight.  In fact, Beltane is derived from the Celtic word for "brilliant fire."   Many of the so-called folk or pagan festivals and days of observance were tied to the solar and lunar cycles and the great cycles of life.  By the start of May, most trees are in full leaf, many Spring flowers are in bloom and the Earth is brimming with both plant and animal life taking advantage of the high sun levels and ever warmer temperatures.  The longer daylight hours allow folks to take advantage of the natural light for both work and play."
-  The Weather Doctor, May Day