Introduction:
May is an exciting month filled with many celebrations and occasions. It is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and has a rich and colourful history. Here are 15 interesting facts about May that are sure to make it even more enjoyable.
Fact 1: May was officially established as the fifth month in the Roman Empire.
Ancient Romans commonly used a 10 month calendar until January and February were added by King Numa Pompilius. The month of May was officially established which made it the fifth month in the calendar of the Roman Empire.
Fact 2: May was originally named after a Greek Goddess.
The Greeks named the month after their goddess Maia, who was the goddess of fertility and growth. It was then adopted by the Romans who changed the spelling and pronunciation of the month.
Fact 3: May is a national holiday in many countries
In France, May 1st is celebrated as a public holiday in the honour of worker’s day. In the USA, Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday of May, is a public holiday.
Fact 4: May is the month of the Hawthorn blossom in the UK
The hawthorn is a flowering plant that is native to the UK and blooms into a beautiful display of white and pink petals. It is particularly associated with May, as its blossom is the main reason for the term ‘May blossom’.
Fact 5: May is often recognised as the sunniest month in the Northern Hemisphere.
May is renowned for its beautiful weather in the Northern Hemisphere and is typically the sunniest month of the year. In particular, it is well known for the best beach weather, which is why many people choose to visit during this month.
Fact 6: May Day is celebrated on the 1st of May
May Day is a public holiday in many countries and marks the beginning of Spring. It is celebrated with a variety of traditions such as maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen.
Fact 7: The Mayflower Pilgrims left England in September 1620
The Mayflower Pilgrims, who were a group of English settlers, left England for the New World in September 1620. Interestingly, a religious group from Holland had the same plan and their ship also set sail the same month, however, the Mayflower Pilgrims are known as the more famous and successful settlers.
Fact 8: The month of May in the US is associated with numerous fun traditions.
May has been associated with various fun traditions in the US, such as May baskets, Maypole dancing, and Cinco de Mayo. May Baskets are small gifts that are exchanged between people on May 1st and Maypole Dancing is a traditional European custom which is typically carried out in parks and plazas. Finally, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday which is celebrated by many in the US to honor Mexican culture.
Fact 9: There is a flower associated with each month.
The flower associated with May is the Lily of the Valley. This flower is known for its beautiful white bell-shaped bloom and sweet fragrance which has made it a classic favourite for bouquets.
Fact 10: May is the month of the Emerald birthstone
The birthstone for this month is the Emerald. It is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world and has been referred to as the “stone of successful love” since ancient times.
Fact 11: May has the longest day of the year
May has the longest day of the year, and many people celebrate this by participating in activities such as dawn till dusk walks, sunrise meditation and outdoor exploration.
Fact 12: The rose is traditionally associated with May
The rose has been associated with the month of May for centuries and is often given as a May Day greeting.
Fact 13: In Scotland, May 1st is traditionally celebrated as Beltane.
In Scotland, May 1st is traditionally celebrated as Beltane, a festival that marks the beginning of Summer. It is celebrated with a variety of rituals such as the lighting of bonfires, dancing and feasting.
Fact 14: The month of May is the American Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
May is the American Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a period when many organizations raise awareness about the seriousness of asthma and allergies and work to educate the public about their prevention and treatment.
Fact 15: May is the Best Buddies Month
May is the Best Buddies Month, a time when organizations dedicated to ending the social isolation faced by those with developmental disabilities run campaigns to promote friendship and inclusiveness.
Conclusion
May is a time of celebration, with the arrival of warmer temperatures and the blooms of spring. There are so many interesting facts about this month that make it special; from its origins in the Roman calendar to its modern day rituals and festivities. No matter how you choose to celebrate May, these facts are sure to bring added enjoyment to the month.
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