May
Database of events, awareness days, holidays, and promotions occurring in May of this year.
ABOUT MAY 2024May symbolizes spring's full bloom in the Northern Hemisphere and the peak months of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It derives its name from Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility. In ancient times, May was a period of celebration, with festivals dedicated to fertility and the renewal of life. The Romans celebrated Floralia, honoring Flora, the goddess of flowers, while the Celts observed Beltane, a festival marking the beginning of summer
ASTROLOGYMay 1-20 fall under the earth sign Taurus. May 21-31 are under the air sign of Gemini
BIRTHSTONESThe birthstone of May is the emerald, a gemstone revered across cultures for its rich green hue, symbolizing rebirth and love. Ancient Romans associated the emerald with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and believed it possessed healing properties. In folklore, emeralds provide foresight and youth, making them highly prized.
FLOWERSMay's flowers, the lily of the valley and hawthorn, carry significant meanings. The lily of the valley, with its delicate white bells, signifies the return of happiness. According to legend, these flowers sprouted from the tears of the Virgin Mary, hence their association with humility and purity. The hawthorn, blooming with white or pink flowers, symbolizes hope and protection. In Celtic lore, the hawthorn tree is often linked to the faerie realm and is considered a potent symbol in many folk traditions.
LEGENDSFolk legends and customs in May are numerous. May Day, celebrated on the first of the month, features prominently, with traditions like dancing around the Maypole and crowning the May Queen, harkening back to ancient fertility rites. Another fascinating tradition is the "Washing of the May," where people wash their faces with the early morning dew on May Day, believed to enhance beauty and grant eternal youth.
A well-known proverb, "Marry in May, and you'll rue the day," reflects the superstitions discouraging May weddings. This belief likely stems from May's association with pagan festivals, making it an inauspicious time for weddings in some cultures
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LOOKING FOR EVENTS IN A PREVIOUS OR UPCOMING YEAR?Due to the dynamic nature of events, the full database for next year will be uploaded in September. To search for a previous year’s events or next year’s events after September, log in to your LEEP membership and use the Advanced Search console
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