The month of May marks the end of school, the beginning of summer vacations and the return of flowers and greenery to the landscape. One of the May birth flowers is lily of the valley, quite appropriate because this flower means “the return of happiness” as well as represents the tears of Mary, Jesus’s mother. May is also the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, another connection to the bell-shaped flower that many brides choose as part of their wedding bouquet. Here are some unique celebrations for the month of May that anyone can enjoy.
Food Celebrations
May is National Burger Month in the United States, which seems fitting as more people can go outside and grill up their favorite burger to have during a picnic. May 5 is Cinco de Mayo, an American celebration of Hispanic foods and beer. Here are some other food celebrations with their 2020 date so that you can cook up some special parties.
- National Hoagie Day - May 5
- National Pizza Day - May 17
- World Whisky Day - May 18
- National Taffy Day - May 23
- National Brisket Day - May 28
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a campaign that focuses on mental health issues, began in 1949. It’s estimated that almost 20% of Americans suffer from a mental health disorder, including depression and schizophrenia. Although many of these conditions are manageable, the reality is that living with them can be difficult. The theme for 2020 is Tools 2 Thrive. Check out Mental Health America at mhanational.org to find tools to help you and your loved ones cope.
Remember Nurses
If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored, it’s that healthcare providers are critical to the infrastructure of the world. International Nurse’s Day is observed on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing. The United States celebrates National Nurse’s Week from May 6 through May 12. Take some time this May to write a note of thanks to a nurse who has been doing extra duty this year.
Enjoy a Museum
May 18 is International Museum Day 2020. The theme for 2020 is Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion. Although the coronavirus has halted in-person tours, many museums are offering virtual tours of their collections to keep people connected to art and culture. Search out a museum that’s on your bucket list and see what it’s doing as part of its COVID-19 efforts. Enjoy a digital day at the museum learning about another culture.
Appreciate a Military Service Person
May is National Military Appreciation Month. May 8 is the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, or VE Day. In 1945, the Germans surrendered to the Allies. May 8 also marks the day that military spouses are honored for their role in supporting current soldiers. On May 16, Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day, which began as a way to showcase the military and expand public knowledge about its role. Finally, May 25 remembers the veterans who died in service of their country. Memorial Day celebrations began in 1868, when families remembered their loved ones who died during the Civil War.
Celebrate Life in May
As April showers bring May flowers, remember to step out of social distancing into nature and enjoy the great world around you. Take a ride with your kids to celebrate warmer temperatures and National Bicycle Month. If you can get out on the greens, remember National Golf Month. Don’t miss out on nature’s spectacle.
Even if you are under a stay-at-home order, there are many events and celebrations you can be a part of in May. Author Fennel Hudson said, “May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.”
