May Product Launches

The month of May is widely believed to be named after Maia, a Roman goddess of fertility and growth, honored with sacrifices and festivals for agricultural prosperity.

Associated with growth and abundance due to its dedication to Maia, May (Maius) was the third month in the original Roman calendar and had 31 days, a length retained in the Julian calendar. Important Roman festivals in May included Floralia (honoring Flora), Lemuria (appeasing spirits), and Argei (a purification ritual).

May's association with spring and fertility has continued to modern times, with its name and position unchanged since the Julian reforms.

May Today

May in the U.S. marks the transition from spring to early summer, emphasizing commemoration of veterans and mothers alongside various cultural and awareness observances. Key holidays include Mother's Day (second Sunday), Memorial Day (last Monday, honoring fallen military and unofficially starting summer), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th, celebrating Mexican heritage), and May Day (May 1st, with connotations from spring festival to International Workers' Day, though U.S. Labor Day is in September).

May is also a busy month for heritage observances like AAPI, Jewish American, and Haitian Heritage Months, as well as awareness campaigns for mental health, the military, foster care, and various health conditions. Seasonally, May features spring blooms, increased outdoor activities, and the end of the school year for some. Overall, May is a dynamic month blending spring's beauty with national commemorations, cultural recognitions, and anticipation of summer.

The May Zodiac

In Western tropical astrology, May encompasses two zodiac signs:

Taurus (April 20 - May 20), symbolized by the Bull (♉), an Earth sign with a fixed quality ruled by Venus. Taureans are grounded, practical, reliable, sensual, appreciate comfort and stability, are patient and hardworking, but can be stubborn and possessive.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20), symbolized by the Twins (♊), is an Air sign with a mutable quality ruled by Mercury. Geminis are quick-witted, intelligent, curious, adaptable communicators who enjoy variety but can be indecisive and restless. Therefore, those born in May are either the steady Taurus or the communicative Gemini, depending on their birth date.

The May Birthstone

The official May birthstone is the Emerald, derived from the Greek "smaragdus" meaning "green gem." A prized green variety of beryl, its color comes from chromium and/or vanadium. Revered for millennia, emeralds were significant in ancient Egypt (Cleopatra's mines), Greece and Rome (associated with Venus), and the Inca and Aztec empires. Today, Colombia is a top source.

Symbolizing wealth, royalty, and eloquence, emeralds often have natural inclusions ("jardin"). They represent rebirth, renewal, growth, hope, love, loyalty, wisdom, and are the traditional 20th and 35th anniversary gift. While green onyx or chrysoprase are sometimes mentioned, emerald is the primary May birthstone.

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