How Campfires Became a Symbol of the Working Class
Pancevo – The custom of going out into nature with beautiful days for holidays and “like this” is not a patent of the new era. Our ancestors, more than a century ago, knew that it was more pleasant to spend free time in nature, so the people of Pancevo practiced “majaloš” every spring. This involved the haste of local schoolchildren, the youth of various associations, as well as officials and other people to the outskirts of the town, to the Pancevo forest, or as it was also called, the Vojlovac forest. The local chronicler Giga Stojnov left a note about majaloš, the precursor of Đurđevdan and later May Day celebrations, in his book “Writings of an Old Pancevan”.
TL;DR
- The tradition of spending holidays in nature dates back over a century, with Pancevo residents practicing 'majaloš', a spring picnic involving food, drink, games, and performances.
- Ancient roots of these celebrations lie in pagan festivals, such as the Celtic Beltane, where bonfires ('kres' or 'radosnica') were lit to symbolize the beginning of summer, renewal of life, and protection from evil spirits.
- As May 1st became International Labor Day, campfires evolved to symbolize the 'vigilance' of the working class, with gatherings shifting focus from recreation to more serious topics and trade union speeches.
- Modern spring gatherings retain the early morning start and the desire to find a spot in nature, but campfires have largely been replaced by barbecues and casual socializing.
- In parts of Vojvodina, the custom of raising the maypole, a decorated tree trunk symbolizing fertility and the triumph of spring, is still practiced, involving village lads guarding it from rivals.