Urbana Illinois University Of Illinois Library May Day Crowning Of Queen Real Photo Postcard

May Day, celebrated on May 1st, historically marked the return of spring and fertility, with ancient roots in European pagan rituals. The Maypole, a central feature of these festivities, symbolized renewal and was traditionally adorned with garlands and ribbons around which dancers performed, a custom revived and popularized in late 19th and early 20th-century Western society.