Beautiful vintage souvenir commemorating 100 years of May Day celebrations in New Westminster, BC Canada.
May Day (Beltane) is a beautiful (and ancient) festival to welcome summer on the 1st of May. When European settlers came to Canada, they brought some of their traditions with them. The holiday morphed a little bit (as cultural traditions often do) and May Day in Canada was remembered, revitalized and celebrated on the Victoria Day weekend, (also called the "May Long Weekend" or the "Unofficial Start of Summer"). Although Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria's Birthday, May Day celebrations in England go back for hundreds of years, with roots in Ancient Rome and all throughout Europe. The "Queen of the May" (and the King of the May) initially did not represent British Royalty; but rather, were to celebrate the beginnings that Spring and Summer held for a community.
New Westminster, BC Canada was named by Queen Victoria. Because Canada was part of the Commonwealth (and perhaps missing their homelands and traditions), the ancient celebration of May Day became a New Westminster tradition. The Anvil Battery is featured on this lovely saucer - a 21 gun salute to the Queen on her birthday, along with a little girl passing on her crown to another girl who had become the new "May Queen".
This souvenir plate is from the 1970 celebration. Back reads Bone China - Taylor & Kent.
Measures approximately 5 1/2 inches round.
This plate is in good condition. No chips or cracks. The graphic is slightly worn on the word "Westminster" - see photos.
~ Made in England ~
May Day (Beltane) is a beautiful (and ancient) festival to welcome summer on the 1st of May. When European settlers came to Canada, they brought some of their traditions with them. The holiday morphed a little bit (as cultural traditions often do) and May Day in Canada was remembered, revitalized and celebrated on the Victoria Day weekend, (also called the "May Long Weekend" or the "Unofficial Start of Summer"). Although Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria's Birthday, May Day celebrations in England go back for hundreds of years, with roots in Ancient Rome and all throughout Europe. The "Queen of the May" (and the King of the May) initially did not represent British Royalty; but rather, were to celebrate the beginnings that Spring and Summer held for a community.
New Westminster, BC Canada was named by Queen Victoria. Because Canada was part of the Commonwealth (and perhaps missing their homelands and traditions), the ancient celebration of May Day became a New Westminster tradition. The Anvil Battery is featured on this lovely saucer - a 21 gun salute to the Queen on her birthday, along with a little girl passing on her crown to another girl who had become the new "May Queen".
This souvenir plate is from the 1970 celebration. Back reads Bone China - Taylor & Kent.
Measures approximately 5 1/2 inches round.
This plate is in good condition. No chips or cracks. The graphic is slightly worn on the word "Westminster" - see photos.
~ Made in England ~
