May Season & Vibe
- Blossoming gardens and colorful flowers
- Longer, sunnier days in the north
- Picnics, outdoor walks and fresh air
- Mother's Day and spring celebrations
BLOOMING DAYS • BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS
May 2011
Flowers in full bloom, warmer sunshine, garden picnics and heartfelt celebrations.
May is the fifth month of the year and has 31 days. From Mother’s Day in the United States on May 8 to World Bee Day on May 20, May celebrates family, nature and the beauty of spring. Discover its zodiac signs, emerald birthstone, birth flowers and memorable dates.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Dates with a count have published stories or scheduled previews.
From the calendar
Explore May
What Is Special About May? Season, Zodiac, Birthstones & More
May Zodiac Signs
Taurus
May 1–20
Patience · Stability
Gemini
May 21–31
Curiosity · Communication
May Birthstone
Emerald
A vivid green gem traditionally linked with renewal, wisdom and prosperity.
May Birth Flowers
Lily of the Valley
Joy · Sweetness
Hawthorn
Hope · Happiness
Seasonal descriptions mainly reflect the Northern Hemisphere. Zodiac dates are conventional Western ranges; transitions vary by year and time zone. Birth symbols describe cultural traditions.
May’s Major Events
Mother’s Day (US)
May 8 — honour mothers and mother figures.
World Bee Day
May 20 — recognize the importance of pollinators.
Graduation Season
A popular time for school and university celebrations.
Every date has a story
May 6 — National Days & Stories
No stories in this selection yet.
New articles appear here according to their publication or scheduled date.
Browse all months →Why Is It Called May? History of Month 5
The meaning behind the name
May is commonly linked to Maia, a Roman goddess associated with growth and spring. Its name reflects traditional connections with fertility, flourishing plants and the natural world.
Weather and seasons
May often brings warmer days and abundant blooms across the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, autumn is underway, with cooler weather in many regions.
May Fast Facts
31 days
May 2011 begins Sunday and ends Tuesday.
Emerald
May's traditional birthstone.
Bee season
May 20 is observed as World Bee Day.
Flower power
Lily of the valley and hawthorn are traditional birth flowers.
May Skies & Nature
Blooming Gardens
- Flowers in full bloom
- Fresh greenery and garden scents
- A lovely time for outdoor walks
Flower Moon
- May's traditional full-Moon name
Check local moonrise and phase times for May.
- Enjoy clear skies after sunset
Picnic Season
- Fresh fruit and garden snacks
- Outdoor lunches with friends
- Sunny afternoons in the park
Pollinator Paradise
- Bees and butterflies visit flowers
- Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
- Support healthy garden ecosystems
National Days & Holidays in May 2011
Selected recurring observances. These are calendar dates, not a complete list of public holidays or official days off. Local rules and traditions differ.
Awareness Months in May
Selected campaigns; many originated in the United States and may be observed at different times elsewhere.
- 🌿 Mental Health Awareness Month
- ● Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (US)
- ♥ ALS Awareness Month
- ✦ Skin Cancer Awareness Month
- ● National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Calendar sources & editorial notes
Recurring dates are separate from the published and scheduled stories above. Movable Gregorian holidays are calculated for the selected year. Exact Moon phases, equinoxes, solstices and lunar-calendar festivals should be checked with local authorities before making plans.