Some Marvelous Facts About May
May is known as a month of transition, a time for change and hope, despite still ongoing challenges, whether personal or global.
The weather is improving and of fresh cold winds and the rains of early spring.
Spring flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and the sun we hope helps life to be a little more joyful day by day!
So here are some facts to help you along the way ...
The name May is the modern-day English adaption of the Latin word Maius, which has origins going back to the time of the ancient Greeks. They named the month of May (or Maius) after the Greek goddess of growth.
May used to have a very different name in Old English. Back then, the month was referred to as the “month of three milking's.” Meaning you could milk your cows up to three times per day!
May is the month that the Eurovision song contest is held every year since 1956. Some of the contest winners over the years have gone on to be incredibly successful groups, with the most notable being ABBA! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsVeMz1F5c
May is a special time for Star Wars fans worldwide and always a good reason to re-watch the movies. May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars day, due to the way the date sounds similar to “May the Force.” We won’t start the debate over whether the old movies are better than the new ones, because we all know the answer to that!
In the UK, May is the month of maypole’s and were present since at least 1350 AD.
May is a pretty good month for US Presidents. Every other month of the year, at least one US president has died, but never in May!
No other month in one single year starts or finishes on the same weekday as May. Basically, if the first of May is on a Friday, and the 31st of May is on a Sunday, no other months in the year will start or end on a Friday or a Sunday!
The birthstone for May is the emerald. Emeralds are a type of stone called beryl and typically range from a deep-sea green to a lighter colour. Emeralds are symbols of fertility and rebirth. (May I add, it is my favourite colour and gem)
May actually has two birth flowers – the Lily-of-the-Valley and the Hawthorn. The Hawthorn flower is a symbol of hope, while the Lily-of-the-Valley represents the return of happiness and sweetness.
May also has two Zodiac signs, Taurus and Gemini. People born under the sign of Taurus are said to be ambitious and smart, yet trustworthy. Those born under the sign of Gemini are said to be passionate, adaptable, and smart.
May has some month-long observances, National Pet Month and National Smile Month.
As well as many awareness days https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/countries/united-kingdom
Many famous people were born in May, such as Mark Zuckerberg, Karl Marx, Clint Eastwood, Wes Anderson, John F. Kennedy, Queen Victoria, and Catherine the Great!
I hope all get to experience some marvel in May and I hope that life for you and your loved ones can be a little better some days than others.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Regards from Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director