Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Coronavirus Muting May Day Celebrations

Kenneth Schwartz

   Friday is May Day,the ancient springfestivalwhose roots can be traced
   back tosecond century Rome.

   Theday hailed what was originally the first day ofsummer, but because
   of changes inancientcalendars over themillennia,what
   werecognizetodaysettled on the first of May.

   Acrossthecenturies, May Day hascometorepresentdifferent things to
   different people.

   Fertility dancesandholding paper streamerswhiledancing around the
   maypole may seem hokey and old-fashionedto
   today'scynical,high-techworld,but it is still partof thecelebrationin
   many places.

   Another tradition, thatof delivering baskets of flowers,fruitand
   candy,also thrives.Although this year,the coronavirus pandemic has
   moved these rituals from theforests andgreen grass of the great
   outdoors to thegreat virtual indoors.

.