May Holidays

Most of us want our children to be well-rounded and aware of other people's traditions throughout the world. What better way to introduce your children to the variety of cultures than through Holidays and the food associated with them? Every culture in the world has their holidays and customs and food is almost always a part of them. A Holiday or Celebration occurs in almost every month of the year and May is no exception.

Let's start with the First of May which happens to be May Day. May Day stems back to Pagan and then Roman Times. May Day was a big holiday in England at certain times and depending on who was in power. Traditionally a Maypole was erected with streamers hanging from it and children dancing around it. The Romans introduced the idea of flowers to May Day as their observance was in relation to the worship of Flora, the Goddess of Flowers.

Next comes Cinco de Mayo which is the celebration in Mexico of the successful battle against the French in Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is a National Holiday in Mexico and is celebrated in many communities across the United States as well. In Mexican Communities there will be Fiestas complete with a Piñata filled with goodies for the children. Many restaurants will be offering Cinco de Mayo Menus also. Many people will have their own celebrations at home and it is certainly a good reason for a party. The atmosphere will be colorful and the food tasty!

In the United States the second Sunday in May is Mother's Day. This year, 2012, it falls on May 13th. This is one of the days that more flowers are sold than on any other. Restaurants will be busy serving Mother's Day Brunches, Lunches and Dinners and many families will be honoring Mother at home.

The final Holiday in May is Memorial Day which always falls on the last Monday in May, this year being the 28th. Memorial Day was originally intended to honor the memories of those people whose lives were lost fighting our wars. It seems in many areas that the original purpose has been lost and many people use the day to honor not only war heroes, but deceased family members and friends, which in my opinion is okay also.

However, it seems that in most areas the real purpose of the day has been totally lost in that many people think of Memorial Day as the start of our summer activities, mainly picnics and beach and BBQ Parties. Add in the papers will advertise food and other items for your Memorial Day Activities.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate it of course, is up to you. But it is nice to remember those people who have given their lives to make ours better.

May is also a month for early graduations and the beginning of summer vacation for school and college students. Summer and warm weather is right next door and the beginning of pool, beach and vacation time. Food, of course also plays a big part in our holiday observances and especially during the summer which is a time for BBQ's and picnics. Enjoy!

I have been a children's cooking teacher and educator for over 35 years. I teach monthly classes in Westlake Village, California for children, teens and their parents. I love to share my ideas to help kids be safe, learn and have fun in the kitchen. I hold a MS in Nutrition Education and Food Sciences from California State University.

Please check out my website at http://www.sylveeeskitchen.com

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