The month of May, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, is often recognized as the “month of flowers.” Generally, the season of Spring is in full bloom by the time that May arrives and the majority of this hemisphere is bathed and bedecked in full colour – visual proof of natural renewal! The folk adage: “April showers bring May flowers,” is repeated time and time again!
Since the introduction of the Christian era, the month of May is dedicated to honouring the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. A multitude of churches conduct litanies and services in the favour of the Virgin Mary and in celebrating the status of motherhood.
Gradually, the reformations in Christianity led to differing observances in the arrival of May. The traditional ecclesiastical churches continued their celebrations honouring the Virgin Mary. The newer protesting churches incorporated a more spirited and less spiritual feature that included colourful flowers and ribbons using dancing and including a may pole that the participants wrapped the ribbons around and culminated with the floral crowning of a “May Queen.”
The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, ended the public observance of May Day there with any religious or spiritual nature. Instead, the bolshevik (communist) ideology of the force and union of the workers and the military superiority of the communist-socialist world would become the new focused intent of May Day. Flowers all but disappeared as armaments and steel revealed endurance and strength. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980’s brought the demise of this belligerent stance.
In today’s world, the military might and sacred legacy of May have largely been replaced by emphasis on environmental sufficiency and natural reliability. The benefits of nature in our lives and in our world are causes for awareness, education, practice and resources for productivity. Working together, in harmony with our natural surroundings, we can hopefully achieve a balance not only in our lives but in the resources of Earth as well!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, May 6, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “World Naked Gardening Day!”
ReNude Pride 