Today, the Bretons are laying the Barrin ar mae (May branch). If today the May branch is considered more of a good luck charm, it was once hung in strategic places on the farm, such as the henhouse, the oven, the stable, in order to ward off bad luck. The entrances to the fields also had their may, in order to ensure a good harvest and to repel crop disease. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #May 1 #BarrinArMae #Brittany

On this day, the Celts celebrated Beltaine. It marks the return of the clear season or luminous season. The main ritual of Beltaine consists of fires lit by druids where livestock passed so that they would be protected from epidemics for the coming year. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #1May #beltaine

Today, the Welsh celebrate Calan Mai, Calan Haf or Cyntefin. It marks the start of summer, the inhabitants celebrate around bonfires, maypoles and songs. Some of its traditions parallel the Gaelic May Day festival Beltaine and other May Day traditions in Europe. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #1May #CalanMay #Cynteend #Wales

Today, Mayades take place in the Landes de Gascognes. A may (pine pole which is flowered/decorated, probably from the Beltane Celtic tradition) is planted on the night of April 30. On May Day, all kinds of celebrations take place, the traditions of which vary from one city to another. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #1May #Gascognes #Mayade #France

Today, the French treat themselves to May lily of the valley. The symbolism of the return of spring linked to this flower has its roots in Celtic traditions as well as Roman ceremonies performed in honor of Flora, goddess of flowers. The tradition of lily of the valley in May was formalized in 1561 by Charles IX who requested that the ladies of the court receive a lucky sprig every May 1st. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #May 1 #Muguet #CharlesIX

Today, in Orléans (France), the Johannine Festivals take place in honor of the deliverance, on May 8, 1429, by Joan of Arc of the city then besieged by the English. It is the occasion for a grand parade and a mass in the presence of high-ranking personalities. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #8May #JeanneDArc #Orléans

Today, the people of Benelux celebrate Iris Day. An emblematic flower of Dutch know-how, whether in floral manipulation, perfume and even in the arts as evidenced by the love of this flower by great masters like Vincent Van Gogh, this day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the emblematic flower of the wealth and power of the Orange Republic. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #8May #Netherlands #Belgium #Iris