Editing May Day (section)

== Italy ==
{{unsourced section|date=May 2025}}
In Italy it is called ''Calendimaggio'' or ''cantar maggio'' a seasonal feast held to celebrate the arrival of spring. The event takes its name from the period in which it takes place, that is, the beginning of May, from the Latin ''kalendae maiae''. The Calendimaggio is a tradition still alive today in many regions of Italy as an allegory of the return to life and rebirth: among these [[Piedmont]], [[Liguria]], [[Lombardy]], [[Emilia-Romagna]] (for example, is celebrated in the area of the ''Quattro Province'' or [[Province of Piacenza|Piacenza]], [[Province of Pavia|Pavia]], [[Province of Alessandria|Alessandria]] and [[Province of Genoa|Genoa]]), [[Tuscany]] and [[Umbria]]. This magical-propitiatory ritual is often performed during an [[alms]]giving in which, in exchange for gifts (traditionally eggs, wine, food or sweets), the Maggi (or maggerini) sing auspicious verses to the inhabitants of the houses they visit. Throughout the Italian peninsula these ''Il Maggio'' couplets are very diverse—most are love songs with a strong romantic theme, that young people sang to celebrate the arrival of spring. Roman families traditionally eat [[pecorino]] with fresh [[fava beans]] during an excursion in the [[Roman Campagna]]. Symbols of spring revival are the trees ([[alder]], [[Laburnum anagyroides|golden rain]]) and flowers ([[Viola (plant)|violets]], [[rose]]s), mentioned in the verses of the songs, and with which the maggerini adorn themselves. In particular the plant alder, which grows along the rivers, is considered the symbol of life and that's why it is often present in the ritual.

Calendimaggio can be historically noted in Tuscany as a mythical character who had a predominant role and met many of the attributes of the god [[Belenus]]. In [[Lucania]], the 'Maggi' have a clear auspicious character of pagan origin. In [[Syracuse, Sicily]], the ''Albero della Cuccagna'' (cf. "[[Greasy pole]]") is held during the month of May, a feast celebrated to commemorate the victory over the [[Ancient Athens|Athenians]] led by [[Nicias]]. However, [[Angelo de Gubernatis]], in his work ''Mythology of Plants'', believes that without doubt the festival was previous to that of said victory.

It is a celebration that dates back to ancient peoples, and is very integrated with the rhythms of nature, such as the [[Celts]] (celebrating [[Beltane]]), [[Etruscans]] and [[Ligures]], in which the arrival of summer was of great importance.