May 1 is a special day in our family. Not only is it Maren Thalia’s birthday, (how can you be 23 years old?) but it is also La’ Bealltainn, the Gaelic May Day festival.
Beltane is a Celtic word, meaning “the fires of Bel.” Bel, probably refers to the Celtic sun god, Belenus. Fire is central to these May Day celebrations because of the belief that it had protective powers. It is a time of celebration of the beginning of summer. The rituals and special bonfires associated with it are meant to protect cattle, people, and crops, and to encourage growth.
In Europe May 1 is also the International Worker’s Day or Labour Day. It is a celebration of workers and the working class. In Europe this day of remembrance has taken place every year on May 1 since 1889 when the International Workers Congress met in Paris and adopted a resolution for a "great international demonstration" in support of the working-class, who were demanding an 8-hour work day.
The date was adopted by the American Federation of Labor to commemorate a general strike in the United States, which had begun on 1 May 1886 and culminated in the Haymarket affair in Chicago on 4 May. This marks the original day of solidarity between workers and labor unions.
I am a big fan of celebrating the little and big things in life. These last few months I have found myself slowing down and taking in the beauty of the ordinary things around me. Like the quiet splendor of violets growing between the cracks in my sidewalk. As Rob Brezsny writes, “Blending energies with what I love — cheering on, enjoying, and helping what's beautiful and true — is a primal motivator and source of life energy.”
I also love to rebel against things that are unjust and cause harm to others. My sweet mama used to joke that “I was born angry.” To question, resist, and reverse actions that are hurtful to others is another one of the things that motivates me.
Like many people I find art to be a powerful form of resistance. Which is why a birthday trip to the Art Institute of Chicago is in order. I don’t have a creative bone in my body, but I can appreciate what goes into making a piece of at that speaks to me. The paintings of Kandinsky on war along with those of Frida Kahlo, whose many paintings tell stories of political resistance and change, are inspiring is small and quiet ways.
But sometimes big energy is needed to mark change. And if you are looking for that kind of energy, you don’t have to look far to find it today. Across the country—from the lettuce fields of California to classrooms in Chicago, from kitchens in Queens to loading docks in Atlanta—working people are rising up and speaking out against the injustices in our country.
If you are so inclined, you can join the protest in Macomb on Thursday, May 1, as we gather for fair labor rights, civil rights, and sufficient funding for public schools at all levels. The peaceful protest will begin at noon at the northwest corner of Chandler Park, and it will go on through the afternoon. Is there some other injustice you want to let people know about? Engage your inner artist and make a sign expressing that message.
Jana Kingsford wrote, “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
If you feel like you’re in a perfect storm of emotions right now, you’re in good company. Find what motivates you. Hopefully we can all find that balance.
Heather McIlvaine-Newsad is a Professor of Anthropology at Western Illinois University. Her research focuses on collaborative action for sustainability.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the university or TSPR.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.