Throughout much of the world, this first day of May is celebrated as May Day. But although many folks agree the day warrants celebration, they differ on the reason. For some, it's a day to welcome the warmth and beauty of the season.
Historians believe that pagans originally marked the day with agricultural and fertility rituals.
Early Christians modified those rituals into a celebration of springtime that was more in keeping with their own beliefs. Two young people chosen to preside over the day's festivities were dubbed the king and queen of the May. By the early 20th century, some countries began recognizing working people on May Day , and the holiday took on political overtones. Nowadays, many countries celebrate May Day with the same kind of parades and speeches seen in the U.S. on Labor Day. Except for its international status, there's no connection to the two word May Day used of the springtime holiday.