Protomagia - Festival of Flowers at 1st of May

Every year is not only the international worker’s day celebrated in Greece, but also the “Festival of the Flowers”, on 1st of May. As you probably know, May is the last month of spring and its name is related to the Ancient goddess ‘Maya’.

Originally, she was the guardian of the earth and the nature, as well as she was the bringer of the spring and rebirth. Also known as “the maker”, Maya let the grass grow and flowers blossom. Her son Hermes was the first who discovered magic and therefore the “mother nature” was believed to be the grandmother of this art which is also reflected in the Greek title “Protomagia” for this festiveness.

At 1^st of May, Greeks celebrate the defeat of the winter and the beginning of summer. Metaphorically, this transition from one season to the other stands representative for the last victory of the life against the death. For that reason, doors, windows, and balconies get decorated by wild flower wreaths which are often self-made by the residents and the most beautiful embellishment is usually getting an award. Consequently, the whole country presents all colors of the nature and everywhere green, red, yellow and blue blooms shine against their environment. This rite should bring fortune and luck to the homes. Later, at the 24^th of June, those garlands get burned on ‘Saint John’s day’ and everybody jumps over the flames.

Since the atmosphere at ‘Protomagia’ is exuberant, people often start traditional ‘flower dances’ which are typical Greek cycle dances where everybody is joining and takes the hand of his or her neighbor. In that way, all celebrators express their joy and happiness, because ‘The Festival of Flowers’ welcomes the blessing power of our nature and arouses new spirits of life.