May Day! Rejoice! Not only are we celebrating the 20th issue of the Minden News™, it is also the first of May. More commonly known as 'Labour Day', this is a holiday for most of the world, regardless of culture or religion. The first of May is one of two Christian feasting days honouring St Joseph the Worker, also known as Jesus' legal daddy. Communist activists of the late 19th century used the occasion to push for better working conditions and now, almost every country imaginable gives its workers a day off. For much of Europe, the first of May holds further significance, reaching back much farther than workers' unions or even Christianity. It was traditionally the first day of summer which for Celtic, Gaelic and Germanic pagans was reason enough to party hard in order to finally drive out the winter (and evil spirits, while they were at it). Even following the Christianisation of Europe, much of the holiday's spiritual roots can still be found in the many ways people celebrate it to this day. Many countries light bonfires, erect may poles and dance throughout the night of April 30th. Others share baskets of sweets with their neighbours or give to the poor. Almost all get well and truly smashed. So, whether you are celebrating Labour Day, Walpurgis Night, Beltane or however you should call it, we hope you have a great day. Unless you're British, of course, in which case you will get your bank holiday next Monday because screw traditions. To the Water Park! Rather, to the war-torn, hostile and violent version of a water park - Coastal Siege! This Thursday at 20:00 CEST, we will once again take part in an event, following our naval success of last week's sea battle. Commendation! We would like to offer our belated congratulations to Private BurdTurgerler, the newest recipient of the Cross of Valour, 3rd Class! We were impressed by your performance during the Sunday Linebattle from two weeks past and if you impress us, we award you virtual medals. Everybody wins! But in all honesty, well done and keep it up. Here are the upcoming events for this week: Tonight at 20:00 CEST (http://www.inyourowntime.info/2018-05-01_20.00_Europe.Berlin), join us for Tuesday Training. The Thursday Event this week will be a Coastal Siege and happens at 20:00 CEST (http://www.inyourowntime.info/2018-05-03_20.00_Europe.Berlin). The Saturday Public Linebattle is at 20:00 CEST (http://www.inyourowntime.info/2018-05-05_20.00_Europe.Berlin) and the Sunday Linebattle happens at 20:00 CEST (http://www.inyourowntime.info/2018-05-06_20.00_Europe.Berlin). We hope you enjoyed the little excursion into the origins of the May Day celebrations. What cooky traditions do people observe where you're from? Let us know! | (https://image.ibb.co/c1dxMx/minden20.png) |