May Day

The first of May or May Day has been celebrated for centuries, occurring half way between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Like many of our celebrations the roots of May Day festivities were connected to the land and growing crops. It celebrates the return of summer, fertility and growth and people used to dance around a pole weaving coloured ribbons. It does not often happen now. Once when I was staying with Jonathan and Eleanor, they took me to an inter school display/competition of Maypole dancing in which both of their schools participated, but such a thing is rare.

Since 1890 May Day has been known as International Workers Day and in many countries, it is a public holiday focussing on worker’s rights. Workers were often ignored and exploited, treated inhumanly and their efforts taken for granted. Introduced by Michael Foot, (brother of the Ipswich MP), May 1st was established as an official holiday in England in 1978!

The Bible has much to say about how people should be treated; with fairness and care. Not just employers but we all must take care not to be unfair or discriminatory. In the Old Testament God told His people to “Administer true justice”. That is, “Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other” (Zech 7v9 NCV) Appreciate everyone’s effort and needs! “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God”. (Micah 6v8) 

MC