Trivial Facts About May

When you think about the month of May, do thoughts of Mother's Day and Memorial Day come to mind? There is a lot more to May than deciding what gift to get your mother or what to serve at Memorial Day barbeques. There are other holidays during the month, many famous people celebrate their birthday in May, and many historic events took place during the fifth month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about May.

Basic Facts

May is named for the Roman fertility goddess, Maia. In ancient Rome, May was the third month of the year. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the fifth month of the year. It is one of the seven months with thirty-one days.

Birthstone

The birthstone for May is the emerald. The word emerald comes from the Greek work smaragdus, which means green. Emeralds symbolize rebirth. It is believed that owners of emeralds are granted foresight, good fortune and youth.

Flower

The flower for the month of May is the lily of the valley. The meaning for this flower is humility, chastity, sweetness and purity. The sweet smelling, delicate flower is actually poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.

Astrological Signs

Taurus and Gemini are the astrological signs for May. Birthdays from May 1st through the 20th fall under the sign of Taurus. May 21st through the 31st birthdays fall under the sign of Gemini.

May Holidays and Observances

Mother's Day is the most well known holiday that takes place in May. It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday which commemorates the Battle of Puebla in Mexico. The Mexican militia was victorious over the French army in the battle that took place in 1862. Cinco de May means the 5th of May in Spanish, so naturally it is celebrated on May 5th.

The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May. This famous horse race dates back to 1875. The race takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was observed on May 30th. It is a day to remember those who have died in service to our nation. In 1971, the observance of Memorial Day was changed to the last Monday in May.

For a list of daily observances in May go to:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/may.htm

Historic Events in May

Many major events happened during the fifth month of the year. Here are four historical events that took place in May.

The first official Memorial Day was May 30, 1868.

The Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine during WWI on May 7, 1915.

Charles Lindbergh made the first solo flight across the Atlantic on May 21, 1927.

The Germans surrendered to Italian allies during WWII on May 2, 1945.

Monthly Observances in May

There are over a dozen monthly observances during the month of May. Some of them are listed below.

Better Sleep Month
Historic Preservation Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Military Appreciation Month
National Bike Month
Older Americans Month
Physical Fitness & Sports Month
Teacher Appreciation Month

To see more monthly observances in May go to: http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/may.htm

Famous People Born in May

Many famous people were born in May. Here are just a few of them.

Two presidents: John F. Kennedy and Harry S. Truman
Several actors and actresses: Pierce Brosnan, George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Tina Fey, Katherine Hepburn, Mike Myers, Brooke Shields, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne
Singers/Musicians: Bono, Cher, Enya, Janet Jackson, Billy Joel, Tim McGraw, Stevie Wonder

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in May at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/5

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about May, share them with your family and friends. Amaze them with your knowledge!

To learn trivial facts about other months of the year, CLICK HERE.

Sources:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/may.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#May
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/5
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358393/Maia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002882.htm
http://www.mexonline.com/cinco-de-mayo.htm
http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuckyderby-history1874.php