The word “mayday” can have a variety of meanings depending on who you are taking to and the situation. One obvious meaning is when it’s used as the distress signal in an emergency situation. This word is used primarily by mariners or aviators generally during a life-threatening event. It comes from the French word m’aider, meaning “come help me!”

What we’re really talking about today is the ancient northern hemisphere spring holiday, May Day, which falls on May 1. It is a spring holiday in many cultures that dates back to pre-Christian times. Today it’s celebrated with the traditional May pole dance, crowning of the May Queen, festivities, flowers, and May baskets.

If you’d like to enjoy a festive May Day celebration locally in Minneapolis, go to the 38th Annual May Day Parade on Sunday. It starts at noon on 25th Street East and Bloomington Avenue heading towards Powderhorn Park. You will enjoy music, dancing, artists, and theatrical performance. Thousands of people will be strutting their stuff and shouting,”Happy May Day!”

Sun Float

Tiger Dancer

Blossom in your Community

The Ceremony