After the fall of Communist regimes, 1st of May became the solidarity day of workers. Since then, it has mostly been celebrated with May Day picnics (majális in Hungarian).
The tradition of picnics and maypole mounting is closely connected to the 1st of May. The last day of April and the first day of May are not only important because of May Day picnics and graduations, but the traditions of maypole mounting and giving may-baskets still play a significant role in the celebrations.
This is the time when boys take poles or baskets to their chosen ladies, thus implying their intention of courting. The maypole and the green branch are the symbols of nature’s revival, and also a gift of love. The maypole a whip tree with its branches cut off at the trunk. Young men went out at night to the forest and cut it, then mounted it in front of the house of the beloved girl. In many places, one big maypole was mounted in front of the house of the judge or the priest, or in front of the temple, and smaller trees were mounted in front of the girls’ houses. The maypoles were decorated with ribbons, handkerchiefs, flowers, bottles of wine, gilded eggs etc. before they were dug into the ground or nailed to the gate-post or well-sweep.
The visiting of May Day picnics is a more common activity, as it is a fun programme for the whole family. It is basically like a joyful ball, where people can eat and drink delicacies, take part in different activities, while children can enjoy amusement parks, different games and workshops.
Source: Daily News Hungary
