5.6作业

May Day, celebrated on May 1st, takes diverse forms globally, reflecting cultural values and historical roots. While some traditions focus on seasonal renewal, others emphasize labor rights or community bonding.
In Greece, the ancient "Hyacinthia" festival revives dances around a flower-adorned pole, symbolizing gratitude to the earth for spring’s bounty. Participants weave ivy crowns, a practice dating back to pre-Christian times. Meanwhile, in Germany, the "Maibaum" (Maypole) ceremony involves erecting a tall wooden pole decorated with ribbons and flowers. Villagers sing folk songs and perform dances to celebrate fertility and community unity.
Latin American countries like Brazil blend indigenous and Catholic influences. The "São João" festival features water-throwing rituals meant to "awaken the earth," alongside lively bonfires and traditional feijoada feasts. In Sweden, May Day coincides with Walpurgis Night, where people light bonfires and sing medieval chants to ward off winter spirits.
East Asian traditions differ significantly. Japan’s "Setsubun" (often linked to spring festivals) includes bean-throwing ceremonies to drive away evil spirits, while South Korea’s "Buddha’s Birthday" celebrations on April 8th (part of the May Day period) feature lantern parades and temple visits.
These customs share a common thread: connecting humans to nature’s cycles and collective identity. Whether through dance, food, or fire, May Day practices preserve cultural memory while adapting to modern values. They remind us that traditions, though imperfect, endure as living links between past and present.