May Day and other May traditions
May in Idaho is beautiful as spring flowers, shrubs and trees are happily blooming, free of wintry conditions. The mountains are green and you can still see the white caps of snow lingering on the mountain tops. Emily Bronte best described May as “the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope”. After a long, cold Idaho winter, the promise of sunny warm, flower laden days is welcome!
May has many celebrations starting with May Day on the first which has its origins as a spring festival in Europe and in ancient days celebrated the start of summer. Later in history, May 1st also recognized Workers Day to acknowledge laborers and the working class and to support better working conditions. On May 5th, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo whose significance is the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but today is widely known for a day of good Mexican food and tequila concoctions!
We also honor moms on Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11th and who does not love a big bouquet of flowers! On a personal note, we have lots to celebrate! My great-niece’s birthday, Ashlyn, turns 11 on May 17th! The following week, my daughter, Jessica, is marrying her beloved in Yosemite and begins a new chapter in her life. We are so excited for her!
Memorial Day which falls on the last Monday of the month, honors those who have given their lives while serving in the US military and also unofficially marks the start of the summer barbeque season. We also remember my son, Drew on Memorial Day who passed away 25 years ago in 2000. His shining spirit is with us always and he is forever in our hearts. And as you all know, May is the perfect time to read or listen to The Fire She Set or share with your favorite someone! 
