The Surprising History of May

May isn’t just about blooming flowers and warming weather–it’s a month steeped in traditions like offerings to a Roman goddess, Maypole dances and celestial wonders. Its history is rich with agricultural celebrations and labor strikes that shaped International Workers’ Day—not to mention its role in pivotal military campaigns. Here’s a closer look at the month of May.

May is named after the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and fertility. Ancient Romans made offerings to Maia to ensure agricultural prosperity. Some, like the poet Ovid, believe the name comes from maiores, Latin for “elders.” And the Saxons referred to May as þrimilce, meaning “three milkings,” reflecting the belief cows could be milked three times a day during this month.

May’s full moon, traditionally called the Flower Moon, symbolizes the blooming of spring and is attributed to the Algonquin and Ojibwe tribes. Different Native American tribes also have their own lunar names, such as the Frog Moon (Cree), Moon of the Shedding Ponies (Oglala) and Moon When the Horses Get Fat (Cheyenne). In medieval England, it had names like Mother’s Moon and Milk Moon, more nods to cows producing serious milk in May. 

When you’re not moon gazing in May, look for high-speed meteors, specifically the Eta Aquarids. Originating from Halley's Comet, the meteor shower is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. 

Historically, May was a bustling time for shepherds, with sheep-shearing season in full swing, a practice central to many economies since about 3500 B.C. Sheep-shearing festivals, mentioned several times in the Bible, were ancient Hebrew traditions that continue today. Farmers and field hands were also busy plowing and planting in May, with medieval European peasants working the land with simple tools.

In medieval Europe, festival workers were in high demand as well. May Day, held May 1, brought Maypole celebrations where organizers erected large wooden poles decorated with bright ribbons that Celts would dance around in hopes of an abundant agricultural season. The festivities evolved from pagan rites to chaste Victorian celebrations of virtue. 

But May Day isn’t all about celebrating. May 1, 1886, marked the first day of organized labor strikes in several cities. In Chicago, protests turned violent in what became known as the Haymarket Affair, leaving several police and protesters killed or injured. The International Socialist Conference commemorated the events by naming May 1 International Workers’ Day. 

Military campaigns often launched in May as improved weather made logistics easier. However, challenges, including fires and floods, have also come with the month’s fickle spring conditions. In May 1809, Napoleon suffered his first major Napoleonic Wars defeat at the Battle of Aspern-Essling when the Danube’s rising waters disrupted reinforcements and trapped French troops after bridges broke.

Germany launched its Blitzkrieg invasion on May 10, 1940, unleashing a rapid and devastating assault. Later that month, starting on May 26, the British army capitalized on rare calm seas and heavy spring rains that reduced air visibility to execute the remarkable evacuation of over 300,000 troops from Dunkirk.

Throughout the world, May is celebrated as a month of resilience, renewal and tradition. Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo, particularly in Puebla, where parades and dances honor its 1862 victory over French forces. In Laos, the annual Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) marks the start of the rainy season with a blend of fertility rites and explosive celebration. And across the Pacific, May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii, where people exchange flower garlands as expressions of aloha, island culture and connection.

You’ve likely heard “April showers bring May flowers,” traced to a 1557 English poem. But what about “A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay?” The English beekeeping proverb valuing May’s bee swarms dates to the mid-17th century. And Irish folklore warns against marrying during this month with the proverb, “Marry in May, and you’ll rue the day.” 

One May tradition rarely continued today is May Basket Day. During the 19th and 20th centuries, May 1 was a day to hang baskets full of flowers and treats on the doors of friends or romantic interests. In 1927, two girls brought May baskets for first lady Grace Coolidge at the White House. She gifted them flowers in return.