May 1st is an important day in many cultures. In much of the world, May 1st is Labor Day. In the United States, we celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September, so it’s become the de facto celebration of the end of summer. Unfortunately, that obscures the actual meaning of Labor Day. Labor Day is really a celebration of the dignity of work and of the dignity of all workers.

In other places, May 1st is when spring really hits its stride. The rainy weather of April is done; everything is green; the days are noticeably longer. Summer is on the horizon. The end of the school year and graduations are near.

Centuries ago, May 1st was Beltane — a day to celebrate the planting and the fertility of the earth, to celebrate new life, new hope, and new opportunities.

So get outside and celebrate today.