The Greek tradition of May flower wreaths

On the first of May in Greece (Protomaya), there is a tradition of decorating the doors of houses with fresh flower wreaths. But you’re not too late to take part: wreaths adorn the doors until June 24, the day of St. John the Harvester.

The month of May has two meanings, according to Greek folklore: the good and the bad, rebirth and death. The Protomaya custom celebrates the final victory of the summer against winter, or the victory of life against death. This day was also dedicated to the mythological goddess of agriculture Dimitra and her daughter Persephone, who on May 1 emerged from the underworld and came to Earth, representing the blooming of nature and the birth of summer.

Learn more about Protomaya in this article from The Athens Centre.

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