Holidays are loved not only in Russia, but also in Europe. Let's see what holidays in Europe are celebrated in May?
Are there many holidays in Europe in May?
If you look at the calendar, it turns out that there are a lot of them. What holidays in Europe in May are popular? May Day is celebrated in Germany in May, it is associated with the end of winter and the onset of spring.
On May 3, Lithuania celebrates Mother's Day, and for Poland it is a national state holiday - Constitution Day.
The fourth of May is the Independence Day of Latvia, the eighth of May is the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, the ninth of May is Europe's Day for Estonia , and the twelfth of May is Finnish Identity Day.
May fourteenth is Father's Day in Germany, May twenty-fifth is for Great Britain Spring Day Off, May twenty-sixth is Mother's Day in Poland.
Each of the holidays is interesting in its own way, if you delve into its history and traditions. All the holidays in Europe in May deserve attention, but we will dwell in more detail on three: the May holiday, Memorial Day and Reconciliation, and Father's Day in Germany. These are the most popular and widely celebrated dates.
May Day in Germany
This time is filled with fun and noise. The revival of nature after a long winter is always a sea of positive emotions. The main symbol is the Maypole. This is a tall pillar, which is decorated with greens, flowers. The crown of the tree is decorated with a wreath with colorful ribbons.
In the tradition of celebration, there is a lot of pagan. These are songs with dances, round dances around a tree, night bonfires with jumps through them. Be sure to decorate the house both inside and outside, this will attract a good harvest, health and well-being to the house.
Fun begins on the eve of April 30th. In the morning, the decorated tree is solemnly carried to the central square and set up. For us, this holiday is similar to the day of Ivan Kupala and Shrovetide at the same time. The symbolism of the holiday is close to Trinity and Easter. Here is such an interesting mixture as a greeting to the revival of nature after sleep, the launch of a new wheel of the year with new hopes.
May 8: holiday in Europe - Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation
This date is dedicated to the memory of people who fell victims of World War II. Why is the eighth, not the ninth? The difference in dates is related to the difference in time zones. The official end to the war is the signing of an agreement on the unconditional surrender of Germany. It took place on May 8 at 22.43 European time, and in Moscow at 0.43 on the ninth of May.
Therefore, Europe celebrates on the eighth of May, and Russia on the ninth. In Europe, where a large number of Russian-speaking citizens live, the celebration takes place two days in a row. In Europe, as well as here, official events are held, meetings with veterans and their congratulations are organized. People bring flowers to the monuments of those who died during the war; they also hold ceremonial parades and military equipment shows. You can see small salutes.
The horrors of Nazism touched many countries, so this holiday is so important. We must not forget the terrible events of the past, if we do not want to allow their repetition in the future.
May 14: holiday in Europe - Father's Day and Ascension
Father's Day is celebrated in many countries of the world, including Russia. Most often, it falls on the third Sunday in June. But in Germany this is not so. Here, a different date was chosen for the celebration. If someone asks you the question: "May 14 - what is a holiday in Europe?" - you can safely answer him that this is Father's Day in Germany or you can also meet him under the name Men's Day. The official celebration began in 1936.
Another feast falls on the same date - the Ascension of the Lord, which is considered federal. Therefore, it is always a day off. It turns out that May 14th is a double holiday in Europe. In the Ascension of the Lord, it was also customary to honor men, therefore such a union is justified.
Men like to celebrate Father's Day, having gathered together in the company of nature, accompanied by hearty, delicious food and alcohol. A kind of picnic in a purely male company. On this day they like to gather in bars, arrange walks and excursions. Most men prefer to spend this day without wives, but there are those who celebrate with the whole family.
Holidays in Europe in May are distinguished by a variety of occasions and traditions. A good reason to get out in the spring to Europe and learn something new and interesting during the trip.