On This Day May 1st

 OTD

May 1st is the one-hundred-twenty-first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 245 days remain until the end of the year.

 

Events

880 – The Nea Ekklesia is inaugurated in Constantinople, setting the model for later cross-in-square Orthodox churches.

880 – The Nea Ekklesia is inaugurated in Constantinople, setting the model for all later cross-in-square Orthodox churches

1169 – Norman mercenaries land at Bannow Bay in Leinster, marking the beginning of the Norman invasion of Ireland.

1328 – Wars of Scottish Independence end: England recognizes Scotland as an independent state by the Treaty of Edinburgh- Northampton.

1707 – The Act of Union joining England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain takes effect.

1753 – Publication of Species Plantarum by Linnaeus, and the formal start date of plant taxonomy adopted by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.

1840 – The Penny Black, the first official adhesive postage stamp, was issued in the United Kingdom.

1851 – Queen Victoria opens The Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace in London.

1894 – Coxey's Army, the first significant American protest march, arrives in Washington, D.C.

1930 – "Pluto" is officially proposed for the name of the newly discovered dwarf planet Pluto by Vesto Slipher in the Lowell Observatory Observation Circular. The name quickly catches on.

1931 – The Empire State Building is dedicated in New York City.

1945 – World War II: German radio broadcasts news of Adolf Hitler's death, falsely stating that he has "fallen at his command post in the Reich Chancellery fighting to the last breath against Bolshevism and for Germany." The Soviet flag is raised over the Reich Chancellery by order of Stalin.

1956 – The polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk is made available to the public.

1999 – The body of British climber George Mallory is found on Mount Everest, 75 years after his disappearance in 1924.

 

Birthdays

1527 – Johannes Stadius, German astronomer, astrologer, mathematician (d. 1579)

1764 – Benjamin Henry Latrobe, English American architect, designed the United States Capitol (d. 1820)

1852 – Calamity Jane, American frontierswoman and professional scout (d. 1903)

1857 – Theo van Gogh, Dutch art dealer (d. 1891)

1907 – Kate Smith, American singer and actress (d. 1986)

1910 – J. Allen Hynek, American astronomer and ufologist (d. 1986)

1918 – Jack Paar, American comedian, author, and talk show host (d. 2004)

1923 – Joseph Heller, American novelist, short story writer, and playwright (d. 1999)

1928 – Sonny James, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (d. 2016)

1930 – Little Walter Jacobs, American blues harp player and singer (d. 1968)

1949 – Paul Teutul Sr., American motorcycle designer, co-founded Orange County Choppers

1967 – Tim McGraw, American singer-songwriter and actor

1969 – Wes Anderson, American director, producer, and screenwriter

 

Holiday Highlight

Calan Mai’s history resembles May Day, the Beltane Fire Festival, and Walpurgis Night. According to ancient beliefs, this was the day when the boundaries between this world and the world of spirits faded, leading to a beautiful celebration of everything wicked. As evil spirits allegedly dislike fumes and loud noises, the custom of burning massive bonfires and celebrating loudly became a staple of the occasion. Calan Mai was also a prime time for divination, given its connection with the supernatural in Welsh mythology. The first of May, then, was just the right moment to find out the identity of your true love. The day is also characterized by the hawthorn decorations used to embellish the exterior of homes.

 

Calan Mai celebrated the approaching spring and the start of a new agricultural cycle. Ancient Welsh farmers rejoiced for it meant the beginning of a period of bountiful harvests. It was also the time of year when animals came out of hibernation. As a result, some farmers would celebrate the day their cattle went out to the forest to begin their seasonal grazing. In ancient times, the first day of May was celebrated as the beginning of a new spring, the end of a brutal winter, and the coming of balmy weather. People would frequently participate in dancing, singing, and feasting events to celebrate the joy of summer warmth.

 

The Calan Mai Festival, a rich tapestry woven from these historical customs, continues to be celebrated in Wales today, maintaining a solid link to its past. This enduring tradition serves as a testament to Welsh culture's resilience and enduring spirit, inviting all to partake in its vibrant festivities.

 

Holidays And Observance

Batman Day

Beltane

Couple Appreciation Day

CSS Reboot Day

Executive Coaching Day

Frequent Flyer Day

Global Love Day

Great American Grump Out

International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day

International Worker's Day

Law Day

Lei Day - (U.S. State of Hawaii)

Loyalty Day

May Day

Mother Goose Day

National Chocolate Parfait Day

National (Deaf) Interpreter Day

National Heatstroke Prevention Day

National Purebred Dog Day

National Skilled Trades Day

New Homeowners Day

Phone in Sick Day

Project Aces Day

Save the Rhino Day

School Principals' Day

Silver Star Service Banner Day

Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day 

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