According to the modern-day Gregorian calendar, May is considered as the fifth month of the year which contains 31 days and is named after the Greek-Goddess, Maia.
How did it get the name – May?
It is believed that this month is named after the Greek Goddess- Maia who is also identified as the “Bona Dea” who is the Roman Goddess of Fertility. May is also known by different names as:
- In Old French, it is commonly called Mai.
- In Old English, it is known as Maius.
- In Latin name, it is called Maius Mensis which means the month of May.
How “May” got the Fifth Position from the Third?
In the Ancient Roman calendar’s old version, May had the third position in the year’s calendar. But when the month of January and February was also added to the year’s calendar then it holds the fifth position from that of the third.
However, in the Gregorian calendar and also in the Julian calendar, May is the fifth month of the year containing 31 days and it does not begin or end with the same day of the week as any other month of the year.
May – The Spring Month
In the Northern Hemisphere, May is associated with the spring month and in the Southern Hemisphere, it is commonly known for its autumn (fall) month. The plants also start to grow in the month of May.
The Flower Moon in May
In the Ancient period, by following the Lunar month, a person would be able to track the changing seasons easily in which our modern calendar of 12 months is commonly based on.
The Flower Moon is the other name of the Full Moon of May which was named after the flowers blooming in the Northern Hemisphere. In this place, the Full Moon Names originated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the birth-flower and the birth-stone of the month of May?
Ans. The birth flowers of the month of May are the Crataegus Monogyna and the Lily of the Valley and the birthstone is the Emerald, which symbolizes success or love.
Q2. Which day is celebrated on 12 May?
Ans. The International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12th May all over the world in memory of the birth of Florence Nightingale (lady with the lamp) who spent her whole life in the service and care for her patients and society as a nurse.
Q3. Are there any special days in May?
Ans. Yes, there are some special days in the month of May. It is listed below:
- 1st May: May Day.
- 3rd May: World Press Freedom Day.
- 4th May: Bird Day.
- 9th May: Mother’s Day. Etc.
