ODERN CELEBRATIONS of May Day, with pastel maypole streamers and charming baskets of flowers hung on doorknobs, pale beside early celebrations of this vernal festival. In ancient agricultural societies, May was a merry month indeed -- a time of sunlight and phenomenal growth of plants. To celebrate the power of the sun and to encourage growth and fertility of crops, livestock, and people, bawdy revels and riotous public festivities were held starting on Walpurgisnacht or Beltane Eve (the night of April 30) and throughout the day on May 1. In Scandinavian countries villagers staged mock battles between summer and winter -- and summer always won.

Vestiges of these rites are with us yet. The Pennsylvania Dutch mark May 1 as the day to plant corn; in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, cucumbers and turnips are planted on this day; fishermen believe that on May Day a good catch is ensured. May Day is the country kid's traditional day to go barefoot, and beekeepers regard it as a lucky day to move their bees. Finally, wash your face in the morning dew on May Day to beautify the skin and have good luck all year.

May Seasonal Advice: May Day, Asparagus Salad, Apple-Rhubarb Crunch, The First Fruit of Spring, Window Boxes, Spring Section, All-Seasons Garden Guide.