50 Fun Facts About May: Blooming with Surprises

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

Welcome to the merry month of May! This vibrant spring month is bursting with life, celebrations, and fascinating history. As we explore fun facts about May, you’ll discover everything from ancient traditions to modern observances.

Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about this beautiful time of year that bridges spring and summer.

May Facts At-a-Glance

When: Fifth month of the Gregorian calendar
Days: 31
Birthstone: Emerald
Flower: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
Zodiac Signs: Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20), Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
Season: Spring in Northern Hemisphere, Autumn in Southern Hemisphere
Notable Holidays: May Day (May 1), Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday), Memorial Day (US, last Monday)

Historical Origins and Naming

May’s history is as colorful as its blooming flowers. Let’s explore the origins of this month and how it got its name.

  1. The name “May” is believed to come from the Greek goddess Maia, who was associated with spring and growth.
  2. In Old English, May was called “Thrimilce,” meaning “month of three milkings” due to the abundance of grass for cows.
  3. Ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Floralia at the end of April and beginning of May, honoring Flora, the goddess of flowers. [Suggested read: 50 Fun Facts About April: Diamond Days & Daisy Ways]
  4. The Anglo-Saxons referred to May as “Tri-Milchi,” as cows could be milked three times a day due to the lush spring grass.
  5. In the ancient Roman calendar, May was the third month of the year, not the fifth.

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May Day and Labor Day Traditions

Happy Labour Day
International Workers’ Day (aka Labour Day in many countries) is celebrated on May 1st.

May 1st, known as May Day, has a rich history of celebrations and observances around the world. Here are some interesting facts about this special day and its connection to labor movements.

  1. May Day, celebrated on May 1st, has roots in ancient Celtic and Roman festivals, particularly Beltane and Floralia, marking the return of spring.
  2. May 1st is celebrated globally as International Workers’ Day (also known as Labour Day in many countries outside North America), commemorating workers’ rights and labor movements.
  3. The connection between May Day and labor rights began with the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, when a peaceful labor demonstration turned violent. [Suggested read: 105 Fascinating Facts About Chicago]
  4. The tradition of dancing around the Maypole has Germanic pagan origins and became popular throughout medieval Europe, not just England.
  5. Hawaii celebrates May Day as “Lei Day” since 1927, with the motto “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii,” celebrating Hawaiian culture and music

Natural Phenomena and Weather

May brings significant changes in weather and natural occurrences. Let’s explore some interesting meteorological and astronomical facts about this month.

  1. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is typically the last month of spring.
  2. In the Southern Hemisphere, May marks the beginning of autumn.
  3. The May birth flower is Lily of the Valley, symbolizing sweetness and humility.
  4. The emerald, May’s birthstone, is believed to symbolize rebirth and love.
  5. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower, associated with Halley’s Comet, peaks in early May.

Cultural Celebrations and Observances

May is filled with various cultural celebrations and observances worldwide. Here are some notable events that take place during this month.

  1. Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire in 1862.
  2. Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries during May, typically on the second Sunday of the month.
  3. The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s largest televised events, usually takes place in May.
  4. In Japan, Golden Week, a cluster of national holidays, occurs in early May.
  5. The Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s most prestigious automobile races, is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in May.

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Historical Events and Anniversaries

View of the Empire State Building, officially opened on May 1st in New York City

May has been the stage for numerous significant historical events. Let’s look at some momentous occurrences that have taken place during this month.

  1. On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building was officially opened in New York City.
  2. The end of World War II in Europe is commemorated on May 8th, known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day).
  3. The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
  4. On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.
  5. The Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, opened on May 24, 1883.

Famous Birthdays and Notable Figures

May has been the birth month of many influential people throughout history. Here are some notable figures born in this month.

  1. William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright, was baptized on April 26, 1564, according to church records
  2. Karl Marx, the influential philosopher and economist, was born on May 5, 1818.
  3. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy.
  4. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was born on May 29, 1917.
  5. Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was born on May 24, 1819.

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Sports and Entertainment

May is a significant month for various sports events and entertainment milestones. Let’s explore some interesting facts in this realm.

  1. The Kentucky Derby, often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May.
  2. The Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film events, typically takes place in May.
  3. The NBA and NHL playoffs often reach their climax in May, with championship series beginning or concluding during this month.
  4. The PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major tournaments, is usually held in May.
  5. The final episode of the popular sitcom “Friends” aired on May 6, 2004, drawing 52.5 million viewers in the United States.

Nature and Wildlife

May is a month of vibrant growth and activity in the natural world. Here are some fascinating facts about nature and wildlife during this time of year.

  1. In the Northern Hemisphere, many migratory birds return to their breeding grounds in May.
  2. The month of May typically sees a peak in butterfly populations in many regions.
  3. Many species of wildflowers reach their peak blooming period in May.
  4. In the Arctic, May marks the beginning of the midnight sun period, where the sun never sets.
  5. Giant pandas have a brief mating season that occurs once a year in the spring, typically between March and May, with females being fertile for only 24-36 hours during this period.

Food and Drink

Barbeque ribs on the grill
May is National Barbecue Day (US)

May brings a variety of seasonal foods and beverages. Let’s explore some culinary facts associated with this month.

  1. May is National Barbecue Month in the United States, coinciding with the start of grilling season.
  2. Strawberries typically come into season in May in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
  3. In the UK, asparagus season traditionally begins on May 1st and lasts until Midsummer’s Day.
  4. Mint juleps, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, are closely associated with the month of May.
  5. May is National Hamburger Month in the United States, celebrating one of America’s favorite foods.

Quirky and Unusual Facts

To round off our list, here are some quirky and unusual facts about the month of May that you might find surprising or amusing.

  1. In Old English superstition, it was considered unlucky to buy a broom in May.
  2. “Sell in May and go away” is a well-known stock market adage based on historical data showing that stocks tend to perform better from November to April compared to May through October.
  3. The Empire State Building has showcased different lighting displays throughout May to celebrate various causes and organizations since its first light show in 1932.
  4. In ancient Rome, it was considered bad luck to get married in May. This superstition is captured in the rhyme “Marry in May, rue the day.”
  5. The Maypole dance, where dancers weave ribbons around a pole, is mathematically related to the process of braiding, creating complex patterns.

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