May

May (also spelled Maajo) is the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, the world calendar used by most countries. It contains 31 days. It follows April and comes before June.

In the Northern Hemisphere, May falls within spring, when temperatures rise. In the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs during autumn as cold weather approaches. The number of daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere continues to increase through May until the summer solstice in June.

Etymology

The name May derives from the Latin word "Maius" of the Roman calendar. The common historical explanation links it to Maia, one of the Roman deities associated with growth and fertility. An alternative explanation connects the name to the Latin word "maiores," meaning elders or seniors. Both explanations are historical interpretations and have not been definitively verified.

Calendar placement

In the early Roman calendar, which began in March, May was the third month. When January became the start of the year, May became the fifth month. The number of days, 31, remained unchanged through the Julian and Gregorian calendar reforms. May begins on the same day of the week as January in non-leap years (the day of the week relationship varies from year to year depending on whether the year is a leap year).

Observances and customs

May 1 is observed in many countries as International Workers' Day, including nations in Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it is a public holiday. Some European traditions also mark May with spring celebrations. In astrology, May falls between the zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini.