To most people in the Northern Hemisphere, May Day conjures images of brightly colored twirling ribbons and promises of warm days ahead. That's not the whole story, though.
Like most things it changes over time with social transformation.
Here's a link how it's done in Seattle >> http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/live-updates-from-may-day-2016-in-seattle/
Here's a YouTube video
Depending on where you are, it's either a seasonal celebration or a day to celebrate workers' rights, or maybe a little bit of both.
Think of the latter use as a Labor Day, if you will, for the rest of the world.
How did it start?
This is a more complicated question. Originally, May Day was an ancient pagan holiday celebrating the start of summer. In Gaelic traditions, it is known as Beltaine (or the Anglicized "Beltane"). As time went on, different groups adapted the celebration to their specific cultures or beliefs. Europeans and Americans often celebrate in a more secular manner with diversions like maypole dancing and flower crowns. (That certainly lends a bit of cultural context to all the young women breezing around summer music festivals this time of year with giant daisies on their heads.)
Also of note: In May, the Southern Hemisphere is getting ready for winter, so May Day as a seasonal celebration is, for the most part, a Northern Hemisphere thing.
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