In Oxford, May 1st is ceremonially acknowledged as the beginning of summer time. As the ancient British holiday of Beltane, May Day was historically designated as a holiday to promote and celebrate fertility. It was also a chance to celebrate the end of the cold winter months, as the first day of May was also the official beginning of summer.
An old custom in Oxford is to gather on the High Street at first light on May 1st and listen to choirboys singing from the Magdelene College Tower. For a few moments there is complete silence as the singing begins and the choirboys welcome in the summer. Thereafter the crowds retreat to pubs and cafes to eat breakfast and watch colourful Morris Men (pictured above) and people dressed up as the Green Man doing their dances. It really is a special moment in the Oxford calendar, which has become renowned around the world.
Visit the Embassy website to find out more about studying English in Oxford, England.
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