Marvelous May: 30 Fascinating Facts to Welcome the Month

May, a month bursting with blossoms and bridging the gap between spring and summer, has always held a special allure. From its rich history to the myriad of celebrations it hosts, there’s so much more to this month than meets the eye. Dive into these 30 fascinating facts and discover the magic and marvels of May.

30 Fun Facts About May

1. May is named after Maia, an earth goddess of growing plants.
2. The birthstone for May, the emerald, symbolizes love and success.
3. May was once considered a bad luck month to get married. An old proverb says, “Marry in May and you’ll rue the day.”
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is a spring month, while it’s autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. The United Kingdom celebrates May as the National Smile Month.
6. May 1st is known as May Day, a celebration of spring that includes dancing around the maypole.
7. The Indianapolis 500 car race is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
8. May is National Barbecue Month in the U.S.
9. The zodiac signs for May are Taurus (until May 20) and Gemini (from May 21 onwards).
10. The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed on May 8th.
11. May’s flower is the lily of the valley, which signifies the return of happiness.
12. May 5th, known as Cinco de Mayo, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
13. The last Monday of May is Memorial Day in the U.S., honoring those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
14. May is National Bike Month in the U.S.
15. The Empire State Building was officially opened on May 1, 1931.
16. May 12th is International Nurses Day, marking the contributions nurses make to society.
17. The first Saturday in May hosts the famous Kentucky Derby horse race.
18. May is National Egg Month in the U.S.
19. The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious in the world, is held in May.
20. Vesak Day in May celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
21. May 20th is World Bee Day, highlighting the importance of preserving bees.
22. The first permanent English settlement in America, Jamestown, Virginia, was founded on May 14, 1607.
23. May is National Strawberry Month in the U.S.
24. The Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public on May 6, 1889.
25. May 15th is International Day of Families, promoting the importance of families.
26. The first Morse Code message was sent on May 24, 1844, saying “What hath God wrought!”
27. May 17th is World Telecommunication Day, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union in 1865.
28. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was opened on May 13, 1870.
29. May 22nd is International Biodiversity Day, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
30. May is the month with the highest birth rate in the U.S.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through these captivating tidbits, it’s evident that May is not just another month on the calendar. Its unique blend of history, nature, and celebrations makes it stand out in its own radiant light. So, the next time you think of May, remember these intriguing facts and let them add an extra layer of wonder to your appreciation of this splendid month.