May Day! May! May Day!

The month of May derives its name from Maia, an ancient Roman goddess associated with growth, fertility, and spring. Maia, one of the Pleiades and the eldest of the seven sisters in Greek mythology, was revered for her nurturing nature and association with rebirth and renewal. In Roman mythology, she was known as Maiesta or Maius and was considered a goddess of springtime and growth. Maia was also recognized as the mother of Mercury, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes. Mercury was the god of commerce, communication, and travelers. His mother, Maia, was associated with growth and fertility, embodying the burgeoning nature of spring. The Romans dedicated the month of May to the goddess Maia. In particular, the first day of May was celebrated with a festival known as the Maiuma, honoring her and ensuring good fortune and plentiful harvests for the coming year. Hence May Day!

But there is no need for alarm! "May Day! May Day! May Day!" is not what you may think! People are not frolicking in the fields but instead asking for help! The phrase "Mayday, Mayday" is an internationally recognized distress signal used primarily in radio communications to indicate a life-threatening emergency. The term "Mayday" originated from the French word "m'aider," which means "help me." It was first introduced in the 1920s by Frederick Mockford, a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London, to be used in aviation distress signals. A "Mayday" call indicates a grave and immediate danger requiring urgent help. It has the highest priority in communication protocols, requiring all other radio traffic to cease to give way to the distress signal.

However, internationally, May Day is a prominent celebration associated with the month of May. Observed on May 1st, this day marks International Workers' Day and features traditional festivities like dancing around the Maypole and the crowning of the May Queen in some European countries. Originally rooted in pagan fertility rites, May Day celebrates the arrival of spring.

Even today, the month of May is rich with other observances and celebrations, including Mother's Day in many countries, Cinco de Mayo in Mexico and the United States, and National Nurses Day. These festivities reflect the nurturing, maternal, and joyful spirit that has long been associated with the month. Ironically, and statistically, this is also why most weddings happen in June because it's easier to be a June bride than a fertile myrtle in May!