13 Fascinating Facts About May
The fifth month of the year is celebrated and noted for its beauty, the advent of a bounty of flowers, the beginning of gardening, and festivities.
The month in which Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, some of our favourite celebrities’ birthdays, and many other excellent holidays and events take place.
Here are some incredible and fascinating entertaining facts about May. Facts!
May Symbols:
There are a few distinct emblems for each month of the year. Each month has a birthstone that goes with it.
Astrological signs are based on a birth month, along with a monthly flower according to the month you were born, these are all based. With your children, enjoy the month of May and teach them interesting facts about holidays, flowers, and birthstones.
1. Birthstone:
May’s birthstone is the emerald, which belongs to the beryl mineral family. Emeralds are usually found in shades of dark green to light green. These stones symbolize fertility and renewal.
2. Flower:
The beautiful and fragrant lily of the valley is May’s official birthday flower.
The delicate and fragrant lily of the valley is believed to symbolize qualities such as humility, gentleness, and motherhood.
The fact that Mother’s Day falls in May is not a coincidence.
3. Zodiac signs
Taurus and Gemini are the May zodiac signs in astrology.
The astrological sign of Taurus is in effect from May 1 through May 20, while Taurus is in effect from May 20 to May 31.
Those born under the sign of Taurus, which is an earth sign, are believed to possess qualities such as dependability, intelligence, and stubbornness.
In contrast, individuals born under the air sign of Gemini are often described as adaptable, talkative, and whimsical in nature.
May Fun Facts
1. The month of expansion
The Latin word Maius, which was given to the Greek goddess of growth Maia, is where the name May first appeared.
It is a common practice among gardeners to start planting seeds in their gardens and flower beds during the month of May.
2. May saw productive cows
Ancient English used to refer to May by a totally different name. The month was known as the “month of three milkings” at the time. Interestingly, this meant that cows could be milked three times a day in May due to the quantity of new grass.
3. The Eurovision bug
The Eurovision song contest is conducted every year in the month of May.
For those unaware, Eurovision is an annual international music competition that began in 1956.
Numerous contest winners over the years have gone on to become immensely popular bands, with ABBA being the most prominent.
4. Star war day
For Star Wars fans everywhere, May is a special month and a great excuse to see the films again.
The phrase “May the Force be with you” is a play on words, and May 4th is popularly recognized as Star Wars Day.
5. May’s Floralia: An Ancient Roman Festival of Fertility”
Ancient Romans celebrated Floralia, a festival dedicated to fertility, in May. Floralia, which took place from April 27 to May 3, featured feasts, dance, and theatrical performances.
In order to ensure a fruitful harvest, the ancient Romans made offerings of a pregnant sow to the goddess of the earth, Terra.
6. An Unprecedented Month for US Presidents.
For US presidents, May is a very excellent month. No American president has ever passed away in May. U.S. presidents have passed away every other month of the year.
7. Mama, we adore you!
Hello, May is the month to honor mom, and she deserves it wholeheartedly!
That’s correct! Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday in May in various nations, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The day is devoted to celebrating mothers, motherhood, and the impact that mothers have on society.
And May is the ideal month of the year to give our mums lovely bouquets of recent spring flowers.
8. The Germans gave up
The German high command unconditionally submitted to coalition forces on May 8, 1945, thereby ending World War II.
Victory in Europe Day, often known as VE Day, is observed on May 8. Each year, commemorative rituals are held in nations including France, the UK, and Poland to remember it.
9. Purge for the May Queen in the spring
In Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin sings about her, and Florence Pugh portrays her in the horror movie Midsommar, but what exactly is a May Queen?
The goddess of spring, known as the May Queen in Paganism, would awaken each year to battle the Winter Queen, allowing nature to return to bloom and blossom and offer its riches.
10. “The Surprising Facts Behind Cinco de Mayo Celebrations”
While many people identify Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and partying, the annual celebration actually has its roots in Mexico’s victory over France in the Second Franco-Mexican War in 1862.
One of the more intriguing May facts is as follows: During Cinco de Mayo, Americans spend more than $600 million annually on beer. More than the Super Bowl or Saint Patrick’s Day, in fact!
11. “The History and Significance of the Kentucky Derby: A May Tradition”
Every year on the first Saturday in May, The Kentucky Derby, the biggest horse race in the world, is held. Since 1875, this horse race has been held annually, making it one of the oldest in the world. But only twice did the marathon take place in a month besides May. Both in 1945, when horse racing was prohibited during the war, and in 2020, when the event was postponed until September because of the COVID-19 epidemic.
12. May weddings: unlucky or not?
It used to be thought that getting married in May was extremely unlucky. The Cornish have a superstition that it is bad luck to purchase a new broom in May.
There must have been a very excellent reason not to be married in one of the most beautiful months of the year, yet the original origin of the proverb is unknown.
13. Notable Figures Born in May:
Queen Victoria, Mark Zuckerberg, Clint Eastwood, Karl Marx, Wes Anderson, Queen Victoria, John F. Kennedy, and Catherine the Great are just a few prominent persons that were born in May!
May activities for Kids:
May activities are enjoyable as we are experiencing spring, nicer weather, and spending more time outside! With all of May’s fantastic, you can keep the kids occupied this month!
Create Caterpillars and Butterflies from Cut-up Fruits and Veggies”
Encourage creativity and healthy snacking with fun fruit and veggie caterpillars and butterflies! Cut up celery and carrots into matchsticks and add strawberries, orange segments, peach or plum slices, raisins, and any other favorite fruits or veggies.
Arrange them into fun shapes and see what the kids come up with!
Observing and Journaling the Growth of a Blossoming Plant
Locate a blossoming plant nearby. Watch it. In a science journal, do drawings and write about them. Label each component and discuss it.
DIY Bird Feeder
Create a DIY bird feeder to place in your own tree at home or feed the ducks at a nearby pond.
Water Play with Flower Petals-
Playing in the water is always entertaining and calming for my kids. Hold onto the wilting flowers as you finish up your flower-themed party. Put children to work with this enjoyable and simple flower petal sensory activity instead of letting them sit around.
Color Matching Caterpillar Game.
Children will identify, sort, and use their fingers as pincers to insert the colorful beads into the play dough caterpillar as part of this color-matching game.
This tactile activity combines color recognition with the practice of fine motor skills.
Conclusion:
May is a month that embodies the beauty of spring with blooming flowers and a sense of youthfulness.
In addition to its favorable weather, May holds significant historical and cultural importance, from its fifth month of the year to its association with prominent figures.
Notable events during May include Mother’s Day on the second Sunday, Star Wars Day on May 4th, and Memorial Day.
This season provides ample opportunities for new discoveries and an appreciation of nature.
We hope you found these fascinating May facts enjoyable and informative.