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The May Queen, and Going A-Maying, 1856. May Day is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on 1 May, approximately halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Traditions include gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral garlands, crowning a May Queen, and setting up a Maypole, May Tree or May Bush, around which people dance. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.