May Day is not celebrated in Britain to the same extent that it is in many other countries. It became a public holiday only in relatively recent years and falls on the first Monday of May (and not on 1 May).
In previous centuries. May Day, which marked the Spring festival, was a potent pagan symbol and was widely celebrated. Today, in many towns and villages you can still find remnants of the old traditions. Often a local girl is chosen and crowned "Queen of the May", and people dance around a May Pole - a tall pole with colored ribbons attached to the top - on the village green. However May Day is chiefly celebrated as simply a day off work by the majority of the working population.
At the end of the month there is another public holiday called Whitsun which was
originally a holiday to celebrate the religious festival of Pentecost.
potent – могущественный
pagan – языческий
remnants – следы; пережитки
ribbons – ленты
Pentecost – пятидесятница, троицын день
Whitsun – неделя после троицына дня
As you read the article, find out the answers to these questions:
1. What do druids, travelers and hippies have in common?
2. What happens to people who don't give children a "treat" on 31 October?
3. What is "guy"?
4. What is another name for Father Christmas?
5. What is sometimes the surprise in a Christmas pudding?
6. When and where might you be given a lump of coal?