It’s the first of May today.  In many European cultures this is a public holiday which dates back to ancient spring festivals and usually involves public dancing, merriment and eating of cake.

Of course not so much public celebrating this year with many locations practicing social distancing in an effort to stave off the illness arising from the global pandemic.

Mayday Alternate Meaning

interestingly when used as one word although the syntax is the same the meaning is full circle different.  In 1923 mayday became first used as a distress call,  officially internationally recognized as such in 1948.

Mayday as a distress call arose from the french for help me, m’aider.  Nothing to do with the popular celebration of spring, but in light of current events an interesting juxtaposition.

Send Help

Certainly this is a time to seek help from a worldwide perspective.  Perhaps extraterrestrials will hear our plea and provide help .  Mayday,mayday,mayday.

You are supposed to repeat it three times so it won’t be misinterpreted and of course it is intended for use only in life threatening situations.  (I think the pandemic applies).

Uplifting Spirits

Fortunately the arrival of spring and associated celebration, although somewhat muted this year is still an oppotunity to uplift our spirits and should not be ignored.

It is not my birthday but I do intend to splurge on a big slice ofcake.  Provided of course I can find one safely.   Perhaps home delivery, just leave it on the doorstep.  Very popular approach these days.

While however it arrives I plan to enjoy my cake this year.