Once May arrives each and every one of us is looking for sunnier, warmer weather and we feel a bit cheated if we don’t get it. We’re ready for weather that allows us to show off our pedicures to best advantage and for donning cottons and shorts and getting out of doors. Here are some of the most special days in the lovely month of May.
May 1st Both the U.S. and England and many countries in Europe and the rest of the world celebrate May Day. In former times there were May queens and dancing around the May pole. Children took tiny baskets of flowers to hang on a neighbor’s door. It is still a time for dancing and looking forward to summer with hope and joy.
May 1st is also known as Mother Goose Day. This special day was created in 1987 by Gloria Delamar upon the publication of her book, Mother Goose: From Nursery to Literature.
May 2nd is the birthday of Dr. Benjamin Spock, pediatrician and political activist. He is best known for his landmark book on parenting, Baby and Child Care.
May 5th is Cinco de Mayo celebrated by our Mexican neighbors and also in the U.S. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory of their army over the French in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Today it is a day to honor the culture and achievements of the Mexican people. Mariachi bands, dancing, piñatas and traditional Mexican dishes are highlights of the day.
May 5th is Children’s Day in Japan set aside to honor the personalities and happiness of children. Flags are flown and sweet treats called mocha rice cakes are served. These rice cakes are filled with a sweet-tasting rice paste. Children’s Day is also celebrated in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Macau.
May 7th is Astronomy Day. This day honoring all things astronomical was created by Doug Berger, President of the Astronomical Association of Northern California in l973.
May 8th is VE Day. VE Day, one of the most important dates in WWII, celebrates the end of fighting in Europe when Nazi Germany was defeated and the German army surrendered.
May 13th is Mother’s Day which falls on the second Sunday in May. The first one was celebrated on May 10th in 1908. This is the day to honor mothers and thank them for all they’ve done for you.
May 14th marked the beginning of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Corps of Discovery which took place between the years 1804 and 1806. The two leaders of the expedition, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, traveled from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean, ending their journey on the mighty Columbia River which creates the border between the states of Washington and Oregon. It was the first transcontinental journey in U.S. history.
May 21st is Victoria Day in Canada. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria and is celebrated on the Monday preceding the 25th, Queen Victoria’s birthday. It is a much-enjoyed holiday celebrating the beginning of summer.
May 28th is Memorial Day. It falls on the last Monday of the month and commemorates military servicemen who lost their lives in service to their country. Begun at the end of the Civil War in 1865 this holiday used to be known as Decoration Day.
Enjoy the merry month of May!
