By Linda Chuvala

 

The month of May is full of celebrations, with the emergence of spring, ending of the school year, and the start of vacation season.  The month starts off with May Day.

• Many ancient civilizations chose the beginning of May to celebrate fertility.  Ancient Romans chose to honor their goddess of fertility, Flora, with games, dances, and processions.  In Medieval times, Christians also celebrated fertility by gathering flowers and greenery and stringing them from a pole. Today in the U.S., many primary school students participate in a Maypole celebration and St. Louis celebrates May Day with the Annie Malone May Day parade on May 19th.

 

• The 5th of May, Cinco de Mayo, celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.  In Mexico, communities celebrate the day with festivals, parades, and battle reenactments. In the United States, we use the day to celebrate Mexican heritage.  There are 6 or more celebrations in the St. Louis area alone.

 

• Happy Mother’s Day!  More than forty countries around the world use the Month of May to celebrate Mothers.  In the United States, the second Sunday of the month is set aside to honor mothers of all ages, race and heritage.  The St. Louis Zoo along with many other clubs and businesses have a special meals and other celebrations on Mother’s Day.  So be sure to keep that in mind for your wonderful mom.

 

• May is also Military Appreciation month, culminating on Memorial Day.  This is the day to honor all those who gave their lives fighting for our country.  Ways to honor the fallen include visiting cemeteries, attending services, flying the flag at half-staff.  There are many parades throughout the St. Louis area so mark your calendars for Monday, May 27th.

 

• In the spirit of physical fitness and environmental awareness, May is also Bike month, and St. Louis holds an annual “Bike to Work” day.  This year’s bike will be held on Friday May 19th.

 

• There are many historically significant events, both happy and sad, that happened in May.  May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg, a German hydrogen-based air ship exploded over New Jersey, which brought the end of balloon airship transportation.  On May 7th, 1945 Germany finally surrenders, ending the war in long and horrific war in Europe. On a happier note, on May 14, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark started their famous expedition across the western part of the United States, and on May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew his “Spirit of St. Louis” from Long Island, NY, to Paris, France 3600 miles in only 33 hours.  

The month of may also honors, Jewish Heritage, Foster Care, Community Action awareness and many other causes. Please Explore our videos to learn more about May’s history.  We at Educate.Today hope that your May is full of wonderful celebrations, vacations and remembrance! Remember yesterday and Inspire tomorrow!