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During ancient
times the month of May was dedicated to the goddess
Maya, protectress of the Earth’s fertility. In
early May, amorous young men placed Maypoles in front
of their sweethearts’ houses*. This month’s
celebrations – May Days – speak to the joys
of spring and summer, the time when all things organic
reach their peak. The Sun enters the sign of Gemini.
*Today, only a few villages observe this folk custom.
Significant days this month: Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday is May’s most
important holiday. It plays an important role in both
religious life and in popular tradition. Pentecost was
named for the Greek “Pentecostes”, which
stems from the Greek word for “fifty”: the
holiday begins on the 50th day after Easter. Depending
upon the exact date of Easter, it falls between May
10 and June 13. This year the holiday falls on May
31.
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