The Pilgrims’ attack on a May Day celebration was a dress rehearsal for removing Native Americans

By: Peter C. Mancall, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 27, 2025

Words: 1,261

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Peter C. Mancall, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Ever since the ancient Romans decided to honor the agricultural goddess Flora with lewd spectacles in the Circus Maximus, the beginning of May has signaled the coming of spring, a time of revival after a long, dark winter.

In Europe, the holiday – usually celebrated on May 1 – became known as May Day. Though traditions varied by country and culture, celebrants …

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