May 1st – What Does It Have to Do with Plants and Flowers?

May 1st is often used as an opportunity to spend the day outdoors with family and friends, enjoying the warm spring weather. However, the true background of "Labor Day" is often forgotten in the process. The fight for workers' rights has a long history, and with it, the significance of the red carnation. It harks back to the French Revolution, where condemned aristocrats wore this flower in their buttonholes as a symbol of defiance on their way to execution. Over time, this symbol transformed into a sign of workers' solidarity and has since been almost exclusively used for this purpose.

The tradition of the Maypole has a completely different origin and comes from Bavaria, where it has been known since the 16th century. In the past, the Maypole, which is traditionally erected on the evening before May 1st, was a birch tree, symbolizing the awakening of nature with its fresh green leaves. Later, this evolved into a spruce tree, which was decorated with wreaths and colorful ribbons. Since spruces sprout in May, they were also considered a symbol of warmth and fertility in May. Since the 18th century, especially in Bavaria, it has been customary to attach crossbars to the tree, decorated with sometimes elaborately crafted symbols. These symbols represent the local trades or crafts or make reference to the community in other ways. In some places, the Maypole is left up all year long. The trunk is usually stripped, allowing it to glow brightly and fresh for months, easily visible with its colorful ribbons. There are many traditions associated with the Maypole, such as stealing the Maypole from other towns, electing a May Queen, and much more.

On Hawaii, May 1st is "Lei Day," a celebration where flower garlands made from hibiscus are woven, and flowers are used to adorn the hair of young people who are seeking a partner.