May is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. All winter long we’ve been hibernating from the cold and waiting for the sun to come out from behind the clouds. The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping… it’s time to celebrate May!
Why May?
There are a few stories about how the month of May was named. The most popular explanation is that it was named for Maia, the ancient Roman goddess of spring and fertility. In Latin (which is the language those old Ancient Romans spoke), “Maia” is connected to a word that means increase or growth. The Romans held special ceremonies in Maia’s honor on May 1, and again in the middle of the month, on May 15.
May Customs
Going back to ancient times again, May 1 was a day for outdoor festivities and celebration. In Rome, May 1 fell at a time that was considered sacred to the goddess Flora, who was responsible for flowers. People back then celebrated the day by marching in flower-decked parades (not unlike the colorful floats we see in modern-day parades).
In the U.K., British people also observed some magnificent May Day customs. They put up maypoles in their village parks and, on the morning of May 1, all the kids in each village would go to the woods, gather “mayflowers” (hawthorn blossoms) and decorate the maypole. The girls would wear their prettiest dresses, each hoping to be elected the May queen. Once a queen was chosen, she danced around the Maypole with her “royal subjects.”
Special Days
There are quite a few special days North Americans observe during the month of May – some serious and others that are kind of silly and fun. Check them out!
National Bike Month
Biking fun means biking safe. Get the goods on proper hand signals for bicycles.
May is National Bike Month
Asparagus Month
It’s lean, green and mean! Even though we have a feeling most kids out there don’t really like or want to taste asparagus, we’re here to tell you it’s not only yummy, it’s also extremely good for you! We’ve posted a delicious asparagus recipe you can make yourself or with your parents’ help in celebration of Asparagus Month. Check it out!
Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
While asthma and allergies are two different things that affect some people, sometimes they can sometimes have some similar symptoms. Learn more about these two conditions on Kidzworld.com:
Flower Month
Because May is flower month, we want to give you some tips on how to grow and maintain perfectly happy plants!
National Egg Month
Some people call eggs nature’s most perfect food. They’re a great source of protein, as well as 11 essential nutrients. Best of all, they’re dead-easy to make – even in the microwave. Check out our kid-friendly, super-fast, yummy-yummy egg recipe and get cracking!
National Duckling Month
If you’ve ever watched the show Friends, you probably remember that Chandler and Joey kept a chicken and a duck as pets in their New York apartment. Now, the city is NOT the place for a duck – ducks prefer to be waddling around inside, sleeping in the sunshine and paddling on a crystal-blue lake with their duck friends. But if you ever find yourself having to take care of a duckling like Chandler and Joey did, we’ve got some tips for you.
National Hamburger Month
Most kids love hamburgers. But do you know where this yummy food came from?
National Hamburger Month
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
We know it’s still May and school’s not out yet for the summer, but it’s not too early to start planning your schedule for July and August. This year, we encourage you to make sure your summer calendar is filled with fun activities you can do outdoors.
National Strawberry Month
Strawberries taste delicious when you buy them from the store, but imagine planting and growing your own! Find out how.
Teacher Appreciation Week: 1st Week In May
If you’re thinking about possible careers for you future, why not consider teaching? You’ll be helping a whole new generation of kids learn about the world around them.
National Pet Week: 1st Week In May
We know a few famous pet lovers who’ll be celebrating during the first full week of May. Find out all about celebrities and their pets!
National Backyard Games Week: Last Week In May
A fun and colorful way to add beauty to your backyard is to make your own garden stepping stones.
May 1st
- Hawaiian Lei Day: Travel The Islands Of Hawaii
- May Day
- Space Day
May 5th
- Children’s Day in Japan
- Cinco de Mayo
- National Teacher Day
May 8th
- No Socks Day
May 9th
- The first newspaper cartoon printed in the U.S.A. on May 10, 1754.
Mother’s Day:
- Mother's Day Crossword Puzzle
- Mother’s Day Crafts
- Mother’s Day Activities
- Classic Cartoon Moms
- Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
- Rad Sports Moms
- History of Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother's Day!
May 12th
- Kite Day: [kwlink 17101]Go Fly A Kite[/kwlink]
- Limerick Day
May 14th
- National Dance Like a Chicken Day
May 16th
- The first U.S. nickel – called the “Shield Nickel,” was minted on May 16, 1866.
May 18th
- On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen’s erupted. Read more about volcanic eruptions.
May 20th
- On May 20, 1990, the Hubble space telescope sent the first photographs from space.
May 22nd
Buy A Musical Instrument Day:
- Percussion Instruments
- Piano Keyboard
- Unique Instruments
- The Harmonica
- The Recorder
- Fiddle
- The Kazoo
- The Djembe Hand Drum
- Electronic Drum Set
- Guitars
May 24th
May 29th
- John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917. Check out the others in our U.S. Presidential Timeline.
May 31st
- Memorial Day
- World No Tobacco Day: Follows on the heels of National Non-Smoking Week.
