Now is the month of Maying...

...when merry lads are playing, Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la etc

Looking out of my window this morning, I didn't see any of that going on; just a dull, damp, drizzly day. (Note the alliteration there!)

Now for the 'May Day' challenge. yes - this is an emergency so put out the mayday call? I had declined the opportunity to drive 30 minutes to sing madrigals at the top of a church tower, then drive another hour and do a full day's work! It would have provided a great blip and I know I should have done it but.....

So, I have looked up a bit about May Day and snapped a damp looking flower to summarise the day.

The first day of the month of May is known as May Day. It is the time of year when warmer weather begins (not yet!) and flowers and trees start to blossom. It is said to be a time of love and romance. It is when people celebrate the coming of summer with lots of different customs that are expressions of joy and hope after a long winter
Roman festival of Flora
Although summer does not officially begin until June, May Day really marks its beginning. May Day celebrations have their origins in the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers, which marked the beginning of summer. It was held annually from April 28th to May 3rd.
Interesting Fact
Although May Day is now the first day of the month of May, before 1752, when the calendar was changed, it was 11 days earlier.
Maypole Dancing
A traditional May day dance is known as Maypole Dancing. On May day, people used to cut down young trees and stick them in the ground in the village to mark the arrival of summer. People danced around them in celebration of the end of winter and the start of the fine weather that would allow planting to begin.
How was May Day Celebrated in the past?
It was custom for everyone to go a-Maying early on May Day. Herrick, a 17th century English poet wrote:
There's not a budding boy, or girl, this day,
But is got up, and gone to bring in May.
Decorating Houses
May Day began early in the morning. People would go out before sunrise in order to gather flowers and greenery to decorate their houses and villages with in the belief that the vegetation spirits would bring good fortune.
Washing in the early morning dew
Girls would make a special point of washing their faces in the dew of the early morning. They believed this made them very beautiful for the following year.
May Queen
The rest of the day was given over to various festivities. There was dancing on the village green, archery contest and exhibitions of strength. The highlight of the day was the crowning of the May Queen, the human replica of Flora. By tradition she took no part in the games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a flower-decked chair to watch her 'subjects'.
May Day Garlands
Young girls would make May Garlands. They covered two hoops, one at right angles inside the other, with leaves and flowers, and sometimes they put a doll inside to represent the goddess of Spring. In some parts of Britain, May 1st is called Garland Day.