It began as far back as 1868. The name “Decoration Day” marked the idea of strewing the graves of soldiers with flowers. The meaning came to include the memories of all the departed.
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
In 1971 the official name became “Memorial Day”. The customary date of May 30 became the last Monday in May. Its unofficial meaning is the US start of summer. Break out the light blue oxford short sleeves, khakis, and penny loafers. Yeah!
But before May 30 comes May 29. It’s old name was something like Put Some Cloth in your Larder Day. The cloth encouraged good fortune and prosperity. But not too many folks have larders anymore.
Over time, the piece of cloth habit led to a pillow. Folks moved larder foods to pantries. By 1927, GE’s electric refrigerators marked the end of larders. May 29 became Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day.
What’s in a name?
So this weekend, we’ll remember flowers. They attract the butterflies Fred likes to snag. And it’s the unofficial start of Tourist Season in Santa Fe. There’s not much easy parking or space without long waits in downtown restaurants.
And there’s Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day. Well…good luck.