Celebrated in many countries, May Day, also known as Beltane, is a traditional summertime festival. May Day is also an international day of celebration honoring workers.

The secular versions of May Day, observed in Europe and North America, may be best known for their traditions of dancing around the maypole and crowning the Queen of May. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of May baskets, small baskets of sweets or flowers usually left anonymously on neighbors’ doorsteps.

Ribbon tassels on trees and long ribbon rolls for maypoles provide a splash of color for this festive day. While May Day traditions vary with each culture, ribbons will help enrich the festivities. From baskets of goodies to festive outfits, ribbons are perfect for this summer day!

Maypoles

A maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk festivals, around which a maypole dance often takes place.

These poles are a fun activity for all ages and are sure to use all of your ribbon rolls. Traditionally, boys and girls dance in opposite directions around the pole with their ribbons to form an intricate pattern. These ribbons are bright and colorful to represent the coming summer months. Dancers traditionally wear bells and colorful ribbons around their knees or ankles to keep the festivities light and fun.

Queen of May

The May Queen or Queen of May is a personification of the May Day holiday, and of springtime and also summer.

The chosen lady usually represents the queen by wearing a crown of flowers and colorful ribbons. And what another great use for your ribbon rolls! Make your crown with bright, cheerful ribbons to wear for the day. Women of all ages will love these crowns and will keep them as a remembrance of the day’s festivities.

May Baskets

From flowers to chocolates, these fun little baskets are traditionally left on doorsteps for friends, family and neighbors. People would pick flowers from their gardens or stuff baskets with goodies and anonymously leave them at doors. Adding personalized ribbons with sayings and thoughts for the holiday are sure to make your baskets unique and memorable.

So, whether you have plans to dance around a maypole or merely leave goodies for your neighbors, don’t forget the fun, colorful ribbons!