May Holidays: A List of Traditional and Fun Holidays in May

The holidays in May range from the serious to the silly. May is a time for remembering our mothers, our military veterans, and our hoagie sandwiches. Yes, our hoagie sandwiches. Here's a look at some of the noteworthy May holidays, presented in chronological order.

May Day: May Day doesn't have as much cultural significance in the U.S. as in some other countries. This popular international holiday, celebrated on May 1, serves mainly as a celebration of spring and a reminder of the coming arrival of summer.

Mother Goose Day: Another May holiday celebrated on the first of the month, Mother Goose Day was created in 1987. This would be a great day to introduce "Three Blind Mice," "Humpty Dumpty" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to the kids or grandchildren.

National Teacher Day: According to the National Education Association, Teacher Day is designed to help students "honor their local educators and acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in making sure every student receives a quality education." The day is celebrated on Tuesday in the first full week of May, which in 2010 is May 4.

National Hoagie Day: Whether you call them subs, hoagies, or heroes, chances are you enjoy these tasty sandwiches. National Hoagie Day (May 5) is not an official government holiday but is recognized by numerous food vendors.

Cinco de Mayo: One of the most famous holidays in May, Cinco de Mayo has its origin in a Mexican army victory in 1862. These days, it's also an excuse to party. This May holiday is celebrated, obviously, on the 5^th of the month.

Mother's Day: This is obviously one of the most important holidays in May. Don't forget to remember Mom on the second Sunday of the month. And try to come up with a more creative gift than flowers! In 2010, this holiday will be celebrated on May 9.

Armed Forces Day: This May holiday was created in 1949 to replace individual holidays for each branch of the military. One of the more serious and significant holidays in May, Armed Forces Day is observed on May 15 this year.

Wear Purple for Peace Day: Break out the purple in your wardrobe on 16th of the month for this fun May holiday. Bonus points to anyone who owns a purple shirt with a peace symbol on it.

Buy a Musical Instrument Day: Why not get in the spirit of this novelty May holiday, celebrated on the 22nd, by purchasing a guitar or keyboard? Or, think outside the box and go for a dulcimer, glockenspiel, or triangle.

Victoria Day: Canada celebrates Victoria Day annually on or before May 24 - this year it's on the 24th itself. The date marks the birthday of Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901.

Memorial Day: Observed on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day serves to honor those Americans who lost their lives while defending their country. Memorial Day is the only federal holiday in May.

May Holidays: Sources

www.usa.gov/citizens/holidays.shtml

www.holidayinsights.com

www.nea.org/teacherday/index.html