May Days, May Days, May Days
What a wonderful month May is! It bridges the end of the colder months with warmer weather, greening of nature, optimism and looking forward to summer. The first of May, by coincidence, refers to a traditional spring festival that is a national holiday in most of European countries. It is also International Workers’ Day honouring labour movements not unlike Labour Day celebrated in North America on the first Monday of September. As well, “mayday” (one word) repeated three times is the international radio distress signal for urgent life-threatening emergencies. It has nothing to do with the word “may.” It is derived from the French term m’aider (“help me”).
On May 10th this year, we get to honour our mothers with Mother’s Day. First celebrated in 1908, this non-statutory holiday should be statutory given the sacrifices moms have made. After a relentless campaign, American President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914 establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. It soon took root in Canada too. To help celebrate, may we recommend opening a chilled bottle of Romeo Peach Bellini. This ready-to-drink, refreshing sparkling wine is sweet, yet beautifully balanced with natural peach fruit pulp. The natural fruit flavours plus low alcohol at only 5.9% alc./vol. pair perfectly with light appetizers, or savour on its own as an aperitif. Till May 23, collect 50 Aeroplan Bonus Points per bottle purchased.
Romeo Peach Bellini 750 ml, LCBO #485086, $13.00