May

Podophyllum peltatum Shenks Ferry 2

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Lady of the Rosary altar, Inner City Parish Church, 2016 Budapest

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Hooker emerald

Lily of the valley

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Crataegus-monogyna

May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar, coming after April and before June. It has 31 days. May is a month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, May in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of November in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa. The month is named after Maia, an ancient Roman goddess of growth and fertility.

Etymology

The name May is believed to have originated from Maia, who was the goddess of growth, increase, and fertility in Roman mythology. Maia is also identified with the Greek goddess Maia, who was the eldest of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes in Greek mythology. The connection to growth and fertility is reflective of the time of year in the Northern Hemisphere when May occurs, marking a period of burgeoning life and blooming nature.

History

Historically, May was the third month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar, which began in March. It became the fifth month when the calendar was reformed to create the Julian calendar, and this positioning was retained in the subsequent Gregorian calendar. Various cultures have celebrated different festivals and events in May, often with themes of fertility and rebirth.

Holidays and Observances

May hosts a variety of holidays and observances around the world, including but not limited to:

- International Workers' Day (also known as Labour Day) on May 1st, celebrated in many countries around the world as a day honoring the labor movement and workers' rights. - Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8th, marking the end of World War II in Europe. - Mother's Day in many countries is observed on the second Sunday in May, celebrating motherhood and maternal bonds. - Memorial Day in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May, honors those who have died in military service.

Traditions

May is associated with various traditions and customs across different cultures. One of the most well-known is the Maypole dance, a traditional spring celebration in many Western countries that involves dancing around a pole adorned with ribbons and flowers. Another tradition is the crowning of the May Queen, a symbol of the new life and fertility that May brings.

May in Popular Culture

May is often associated with themes of renewal, growth, and the beauty of nature. These themes are reflected in literature, music, and art. For example, the saying "April showers bring May flowers" encapsulates the transition from the rainy month of April to the blooming month of May.

Astrological Signs

The astrological signs for the month of May are Taurus (until May 20) and Gemini (May 21 onwards).

Birthstone and Flower

The birthstone for May is the emerald, which symbolizes rebirth and love. The birth flower is the Lily of the Valley, representing humility and sweetness, and the Hawthorn plant, symbolizing hope and supreme happiness.