×
Back left
Back right

May Days: Special Days In The Month Of May

May 01, 2021

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.

Hello May!

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 MonthMay 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:

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

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 MonthNational 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

May 5th

May 8th

  • No Socks Day

May 9th

  • The first newspaper cartoon printed in the U.S.A. on May 10, 1754.

Mother’s Day:

Celebrate 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

May 20th

May 22nd

Buy A Musical Instrument Day:

May 24th

Memorial Day

May 29th

May 31st