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And you thought Morris dancing was an eccentric tradition. May Day is a day of revelry - and protest - around the world, with many countries taking part in age old traditions.

Did you know that in Germany women leave heart-shaped decorations on the doorstep of their loved ones? Or that in Greece you can expect a knock on your door at dawn from your neighbours' children, ready to burst into song?

Here, online travel company Opodo share a selection of weird and wonderful May Day celebrations from across the globe.

Britain's age old traditions: Morris Men dance in the first sunrise on May Day in Birmingham

Hawaii
In Hawaii, May Day is known as Lei Day and islanders celebrate their culture. There are lei-making competitions and revelers hand out lei to their family and friends.

While Britain famously selects a May Queen, Hawaiians choose a Lei Day Queen, who is judged for her lei making, hula dancing, language skills and poise, and her ability to convey the spirit of aloha with warmth and dignity.
Hula dancing and other traditional dances are also a big part of the celebrations along with traditional music and songs.

Aloha: Hula dancers perform at on May day, also known in Hawaii as lei day

Greece
Greek children set out at first light in search of the first swallow of spring. When the bird is located, the children go from house to house in the early morning, singing songs of spring. Despite the very early start, they are treated with cakes, fruit and nuts.

France
French tradition dictates that the month of May is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Young girls lead processions in their town to honour the virgin by carrying a statue of her crowned with flowers.

Cows are usually part of these parades and an old, and one slightly bizarre custom is to drink warm milk direct from the cow, which is said to bring good luck for the coming year.

In Greece, a housewife in traditional dress hangs flowers in the doorway

Germany
In Germany, women often awake in the morning to find a decorated maypole outside their house. These are usually given as a token of love or an expression of interest, though a tree decorated only in white streamers is said to mean that the giver dislikes you.

In return, women leave heart-shaped decorations, made out of rice or roses on windows or porches at the homes of those closest to their hearts.

Traditional maypoles pop up in many European countries, such as this one in Munich, Germany

Hitching a ride: Revelers sit on a Maypole in the May Day Celebration Parade, Bavaria

Finland
In Finland, May Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. It is the only public holiday that sees carnival-style festivities taking place in the streets.

Celebrations begin on May Day's Eve with people decorating their town statues. A traditional mead-like drink called sima, made with honey and water, is a key part of the celebrations along with freshly cooked funnel cakes.

The following day, many people celebrate with a picnic in the park, with the most staunch party animals continuing the fun without any sleep.

International Workers' Day: Marchers in the Plaza de la Revolucion, Havana

Cuba
May Day coincides with International Workers' Day, and Cubans mark the special occasion with a range of cultural and musical events along with marching through their cities in support of government and revolution.

The largest gathering is in Havana, where every year thousands of workers, dressed in red, waving flags and waving banners in support of the Cuban Revolution, gather at the Plaza de la Revolucion at the foot of the giant statue of Jose Marti, Cuba's godfather of the Revolution.