Calan Mai – historical Welsh tradition of Mayday

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Calan Mai, celebrated on May Day, always about halfway between the Spring Equinox (21/22 March) and the Summer Soltice (21/22 June), is a vibrant and meaningful festival that celebrates the start of summer in Wales.

This day is rich in history, tradition, and a strong connection to nature, making it a special occasion for many.
On this day, Welsh communities come alive with several customs, including lighting bonfires, dancing around maypoles, and singing carols, symbolizing the light, growth, and fertility that summer brings, that have been popular through generations.
It was seen as the start of summer, and after the challenges of winter it was greeted with dawnsio haf (summer dancing) and carolau mai (May carols).
Its celebration is deeply rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, dating back to times when people were closely tied to the cycles of nature.
It’s a time of joy, officially marking the end of winter’s chill and welcoming the warmth and abundance of summer.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Calan Mai is its rich tapestry of traditions.
For example, lighting bonfires was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous summer, while homes and public spaces are decorated with flowers and greenery, reflecting the bloom of life. They’d also turn their herds out to pasture for the first time.
Moreover, Calan Mai serves as a communal anchor, bringing people together to share in the joy and hope that the season promises.

But Calan Mai is not just a date on the calendar, but a bridge to the past, connecting people to their ancestors’ reverence for nature and the changing seasons.
Traditionally people celebrated the earth’s rebirth and their hopes for a fruitful year through fires, songs, and dances.
Nos Galan Mai, or May Eve, was considered one of three ysprydnos (spirit nights) when the veil between us and the spirit world was at its thinnest.
Dating back as far as 900 AD, this event blurred the lines between our world and the spiritual realm, and folks believed magic was afoot on this day, with the veil between worlds thinned.
They lit bonfires, symbols of life and energy, not just for warmth or light, but to protect against spirits they thought roamed freely on this night.
Still today, Calan Mai continues to be a vital part of Welsh culture, a day that reflects on the past and looks forward to the future and, as people gather to celebrate, they remember the enduring human connection to the cycles of nature and how they honor that bond.