The May

May Day is perhaps my favorite of all holidays.  I had a maypole growing up thanks to my mother who collected all sorts of wonderful things.  Later when I discovered that they still celebrate May Day in England, I was determined to make it there to see it and it took me 2 years of travels before I managed it.  Returning to the US, it is one holiday I've tried to celebrate, leaving small baskets of flowers at my neighbors houses and a May Day party complete with maypole and Green Man.

The custom in Greece is to make a wreath of flowers and  hang it on your door for good luck.  I had heard from a friend who does it that you leave it there and when you take it down you burn it in the fireplace before it is replaced.  I've done this faithfully since I got my own house and garden, but I don't recall seeing it much in Athens.  Here we are in mid-June in Rhodes, and wreaths are everywhere.  I thought it must be "the May" as it is called, but so prevalent?  I finally asked someone who patiently began to explain, "Every year on May first..."  

This is what I've understood is the traditional way, hanging right over the center of the door.

Gothic door, Greek May.

I saw a lot like this, with the wreath on the side of the door.

A close up of the one above... not sure what the plant is, but the focus isn't dried flowers like it is  in others.

This one is right on the door, and very yellow!

Another to the side... seems always to be the right side as you face the door.

The door is gorgeous, too!

Close up... I love the May under the wreath-like scroll work.

And another to the right.  It seemed to be both official doors and people's houses... interesting.