From Beltane to May Day: A Quick Look at Global Workers' Holiday
May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is a global holiday celebrated on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers and promote their rights. The roots of May Day can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, which celebrated the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
Beltane was traditionally celebrated by lighting fires, dancing around Maypoles, and feasting on traditional foods such as Beltane cakes. These festivities continued in various forms throughout history and were eventually adapted to the needs of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.
The origins of May Day as a celebration of workers' rights can be traced back to the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886. On May 1st of that year, hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday. In Chicago, a group of anarchists organized a rally in support of the striking workers in Haymarket Square.
On May 3rd, police clashed with striking workers outside the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, and several people were killed. The next day, at the Haymarket rally, a bomb was thrown at police, killing several officers and leading to the arrest and eventual execution of several anarchists. The Haymarket Affair became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights and led to the establishment of May Day as an international holiday to honor workers.
Today, May Day is celebrated around the world as a day to recognize the contributions of workers and advocate for their rights. In many countries, it is a national holiday and is marked by rallies, protests, and other events in support of workers' rights.
The celebration of workers' rights during May Day is closely tied to the themes of Beltane, which celebrate the renewal of life and the natural rhythms of the earth. Both celebrations highlight the importance of community, solidarity, and cooperation in achieving a just and equitable society.
As we celebrate May Day and Beltane, let us remember the struggles of those who came before us to secure the rights and protections that we enjoy today. Let us also recognize the ongoing challenges facing workers around the world and recommit ourselves to the fight for justice and equality for all.
Beltane Bannocks: A Traditional Scottish Oatcake for Celebrating Spring
The Beltane Bannock is a simple and delicious oatcake made with oatmeal, butter, and honey.
Bannocks have been a staple of Scottish cuisine for centuries, and were often baked on a griddle over an open fire. The Beltane Bannock, in particular, was traditionally eaten on May 1st as part of the Beltane celebrations, which marked the beginning of summer and the renewal of life.
The recipe for Beltane Bannocks is simple and easy to make, but the results are absolutely delicious. The combination of hearty oatmeal, rich butter, and sweet honey creates a satisfying and comforting snack that is perfect for any time of day.
To make Beltane Bannocks, you will need:
2 cups of oatmeal
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened (non-dairy)
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of water
1/2 tsp of salt
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, and salt. Add the softened butter and use your fingers to mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Next, add the honey and water to the bowl and mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface, then roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut the dough into rounds, then place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the bannocks in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once the bannocks are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious served warm with a bit of butter and honey, or they can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.