May Day, the celebration of the arrival of Spring, is an ancient tradition in the Northern Hemisphere.  It stems from early pagan rituals, such as the Celtic tradition of building fires and dancing around them, replicating the warmth and movement of the sun, and the Germanic tradition of dancing around a Maypole and wrapping it in ribbons, for a reason that has apparently been lost in the mists of time.

May Day also happens to be one of four modern “cross quarter” holidays that fall roughly at the midpoint between an equinox and solstice (May 1 being between the spring equinox and the summer solstice). The other three cross quarter holidays are Lammas (the celebration of the wheat harvest which has distinctly magical undertones), Halloween (in which the youngest members of our society get spooky), and Groundhog Day (featuring a rodent that can divine the future).

Yeah, they’re all goofy excuses to have a little fun. But after the winter we’ve had, some of you might be feeling like you’ve earned an extra measure of frivolity this year.

It’s May Day. It’s Friday. Spring is here. And you’re looking out the window thinking, “Could I just wrap this week up and…?”

Yeah, we get it.

And yes, you May.

Class dismissed.  Happy May Day.