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Historians generally agree that May Day celebrations probably originated in the spring fertility rites of ancient Rome, which occurred at about the same time of year marking celebrations honoring the goddess of spring, Flora.

By the Middle Ages, the day was being celebrated with a procession led by a "Queen of the May" chosen from a population of pretty teen girls, followed by the townspeople dancing around a maypole decorated with streamers and colorful spring flowers.

Pilgrims later brought May Day to America, but Puritans were quick to condemn the tradition as "that Stinking Idol reviving feasts of ye Roman goddess Flora or ye beastly practices of ye mad Bacchanalians".

By the late 19th century, May Day was taken up in America as a socialist movement celebrating workers' rights, a tradition that remains strong in Europe.

All told, modern May Day celebrations today have evolved into a hodgepodge of traditions including parties, sing-alongs, Old World maypole dancing, parades and workers' demonstrations, along with general protests against Big Business on the streets of major capitals worldwide.

And just for a little contrast, in Hawaii it's ... Lei Day.

For more information, check out what else is happening on May Day this year around the world and on the Web...

May Day - How it all started, including typical May Day events & celebrations worldwide with related photos and links, from Wikipedia.

Protest.net - One-stop browsing for May Day and related Labor Day demonstrations taking place this year in cities around the world.

May Day Traditions and Customs in England - Kid-friendly educational resource with a good overview of its meanings in the UK including related pictures, factoids & trivia on everything from maypole history & Morris dancing traditions to modern day labor protests.

May Day Origins - Nicely written and researched background on historical meanings and symbolism, and check out the earliest known depiction of a maypole in stained glass ...

The Incomplete, True, Authentic and Wonderful History of MAY DAY - Good read with historic woodcuts & illustrations depicting the riotous history of workers' rights. Excellent starting point for any research paper on the topic with author's notes.

The Beginnings of May Day in Australia - Intriguing history & photos related to Australia's struggle for organized labor with links to further information.

Annual Lei Day Celebration - Honolulu - The Hawaiian celebration on May 1 at Queen Kapiolani Park with a brief history, photo gallery.

Pillsbury Baking : May Day - Dessert recipes to try, along with kid-friendly activity and printable coloring page.

May Day Ecards - A few animated greetings to send.

also see -> U.S. Labor Day