Celtic Celebration for May Day

Halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, May Day is a celebration of fertility and life.

Christians have long marked the seasons and given thanks. In Europe, May 1 was the first day of summer that marked the break for farmers between the end of planting and the growth of the crop. It was a time to celebrate the fertility of the land and to pray for the year’s harvest. In the Episcopal church, May 1 is near the spring Rogation Days set aside for blessing fields after planting, blessing rural life and praying for agriculture and fishing.

We gather on May Day (or a day close to it) in the evening for ritual, prayer, song, and thanksgiving as a way to mark the changing seasons and pay attention to nature, to God’s good creation. We begin with brief readings from Christian tradition and contemporary writers, followed by our spoken or silent reflections on the readings. After sharing God’s Peace, we celebrate the Great Thanksgiving or Eucharist. We complete the evening with light refreshments and fellowship.

St. David’s is an open and affirming community. You are welcome!

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