May Day is an ancient holiday, dating back at least to the days of the Roman Republic, when it was celebrated as part of the Floralia celebration on April 27th. Obviously, they didn’t call it May Day back then, both because it wasn’t May and also because they spoke Latin. It can also be traced back to the Gaelic Beltane celebration, reaching back into the fog of pagan pre-history.
Here in Seattle, several groups of Morris dancers have been celebrating this ancient holiday in the chilly dawn hours at Gas Works Park. Kimberly writes:
Join the Sound and Fury Morris Dancers, NorthxNorthwest Morris, Misty City Morris, the Mossyback Morris Men and The Village Carolers in greeting the sunrise on May Morning (tomorrow, Tuesday, May 1st).
We’ll be celebrating the coming of Summer with Morris dancing and song at Gas Works Park. Dancing begins at 5:40 am and wraps up around 7 am. This is a free event. We recommend bringing a blanket because it starts out chilly.
Questions? Please email [email protected]
(Photo by Doug Plummer)
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