Episode written & produced by Alexandra Strauss

Depending on your religious affiliation, the month of May holds significance for upholding religious celebrations. You could celebrate the goddess of spring or Mary, the Mother of God. For some countries, May even holds significance for laborers and the working class with International Workers’ Day. Beltane is a traditional Celtic ritual that is celebrated on the first of May. May Day is a Catholic celebration that is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God, the Virgin Mary. Many Catholic churches host a May Crowning in honor of Mary, and Catholic schools took up the practice of having a girl from the oldest grade crown Mary. I even crowned Mary for my eighth grade May Crowning!... Mercyhurst College held May Day events from 1932 until 1968! I’m your host, Alex, for today’s Hurstories episode on May Day!