May, named for the Roman goddess of fertility, Maia, is the fifth month with 31 days and is strongly associated with spring, growth, and flowers.
1. The Empire State Building opened (May 1, 1931), the Golden Gate Bridge opened (May 27, 1937), and Alan Shepard became the first American in space (May 5, 1961).
2. May is the only month that never starts or ends on the same day of the week as any other month.
3. Cinco de Mayo (May 5) celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mother’s Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the second Sunday of May. Memorial Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the last Monday of May to honor military personnel who died in service.
4. It was once considered bad luck to get married in May, with an old proverb stating: “Marry in May and you’ll rue the day.”
5. The emerald, which represents love and success, is May’s birthstone. The birth flower is the Lily of the Valley.
