May 1 is a public holiday in Greece, a day of protest for workers but also a spring celebration rooted in the pre-Christian era. The Spring holiday celebrates the triumph of summer over winter.

May wreath

Greeks go out to “touch May” which means to collect flowers, usually woven into a wreath. The most important symbol of this day is the flowery wreath. It differs from region to region with the Cretan wreaths made with shoots from vineyards, ears of corn, olive-tree shoots, unripe beans and red poppies. In Western Macedonia, they add a bit of garlic to keep the evil spirits away. Wreaths are customarily hung up on doors, but in some villages you may find them on village fountains, with girls competing with each other concerning who will be the first to marry according to the time they place their wreath on the fountain.

Strike action

May 1 is also Labor Day, a day of protest and remembrance for workers rights. A series of strike actions usually takes place on this day, such as one taking place at Klafthmonos Square at 11 a.m. on Friday where workers will seek a return to the minimum wage and group contracts.

Superstitions that have to do with May

* On May 1 and all month long, people avoid getting married because they believe it is the month of donkeys.

* People do not tend to their crops in the belief that hail will spoil their crops if they do.

* In Eastern Thrace, people put out the fire with May rain water so as to keep frost away.

* Do not hang white clothes out to dry on this day.

* Your good luck will fly out the house if you lend out anything on this day, especially flour and salt.