Museum of the Grand Prairie to celebrate May Day on May 4

April showers sometimes bring May showers.

But the forecast for May 4 signals a break in the clouds. The Champaign County Forest Preserve and the Museum of the Grand Prairie will take advantage of the forecased mid-70’s temperatures to celebrate May Day on May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.

A history of tradition comes along with May Day. The Celts of the British Isles celebrated the coming of spring and summer with fire, symbolizing the turn from dark to light and celebrating the return of the Earth’s fertility, bringing new life.

The Romans devoted the end of April into the beginning of May to worshiping Flora, the goddess of flowers.

Although the origin of the May Day Pole is unknown, some historians believe it can be linked by to medieval times when villagers would find a May Day pole in the forest, and attach streamers as they merrily danced around the pole.

This tradition did not carry over into America, but it is observed annually at the Museum of the Grand PrairIe during their May Day celebration each year.

At 2 p.m. on May 4, English Country Dancers will gather around the May Pole. The Museum will also provide spring-themed crafts and music throughout the grounds for visitors.

This event is free and open to the public to come and go as they please.

A widely accepted practice in the United States, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries was to create baskets filled with flowers, candies and treats to leave on the doors of friends and neighbors.