May
“This May, celebrate the many diverse holidays and observances and pay tribute to the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Open your mind to new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and enjoy a fresh perspective you may have been missing. It helps you become a true citizen of the world”.
ALS Awareness Month
May is ALS Awareness Month. Of course, this year is different than past years as the
world has changed significantly in the face of a global pandemic. Help increase awareness
of ALS and of the severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens it creates for
people living with the disease and their families.
Haitian Heritage Month
May is referred for Haitians all over the world as Haitian Heritage Month. It has
great historical and cultural significations based upon the traditions inherited since
Haiti's independence in 1804, and have been passed on from generations to generations.
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month celebrated in May every year.
It is a great time to celebrate the vibrant culture, distinct art, delectable cuisine,
and to get to know people of Haitian origin. Haitian Heritage Month, a celebration
of culture and pride.
Jewish-American Heritage Month
In May 2023, hundreds of organizations around the U.S. will join together to help
Americans of all backgrounds discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied
American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day. The more
than 350-year history has given us names like Albert Einstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
— both of whom fought through hard times to emerge victoriously. In order to honor
the Jewish communities’ continued achievements, May was declared as Jewish American
Heritage Month by former president George W. Bush back in 2006.
Mental Health Month
May Is Mental Health Month! Since 1949, Mental Health America, affiliates, and countless
others have observed May as Mental Health Month by reaching out to millions of people
to spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. It’s
a time to share information, stories, and resources. MHA’s 2023 Mental Health Month
campaign is focused on how surroundings impact mental health. Topics that we specifically
address include:
Safe and Stable Housing
Healthy Home Environments
Neighborhoods and Towns
The Outdoors and Nature
National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the U.S. Since 1990, the
U.S. government has designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States.
Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of
Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity
to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.
May 2 National Teacher Appreciation Day
Teacher Appreciation Day falls on the Tuesday in the first full week of May. This
year, it takes place on May 2. It is a day to honor the kind, hardworking, and patient
individuals who create an everlasting impact on our lives. Given how we entrust teachers
with the care and future of the children, every day should be teachers’ appreciation
day. And yet, these incredible professionals do not always get the recognition and
the pay they deserve. National Teacher Appreciation Day aims to change this narrative.
May 2 International Harry Potter Day
Grab your Nimbus 2000 wand from Olivander’s and your best house scarf on May 2 to
celebrate International Harry Potter Day! Whether you are a fan of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff,
Slytherin or Ravenclaw, you won’t want to miss out on celebrating one of the most
iconic book series of all time. International Harry Potter day is the adopted day
of the year that fans (affectionately referred to as “Potterheads”) celebrate all
things associated with the wizarding world. Every year, this event takes place on
May 2nd.
May 4 International Firefighters Day
Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property. Sometimes
that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered over many years, in
others it is many selfless years working in the industry. In all cases it risks the
ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life. International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD)
is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that
firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as
possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for
their contributions.
May 4 Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate
the Star Wars universe. Observance of the day spread quickly through media and grassroots
celebrations since the franchise began in 1977. The date originated from the pun “May
the Fourth be with you”, a variant of the popular Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force
be with you”.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican
army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican
War. The day, which falls on Friday, May 5 in 2023, is also known as Battle of Puebla
Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco
de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly
in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
May 7 World Laughter Day
Every year on the first Sunday in May, World Laughter Day raises awareness of laughter
and the many healing benefits it provides. Another goal of the day is to manifest
World Peace and build a global consciousness through laughter. You have probably heard
the saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Even psychologists and medical doctors
say there is truth to this statement. That’s because there is evidence that laughter
can do so many wonderful things.
May 17 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is a holiday observed
around the world on May 17. The event is held every year to help raise awareness about
L.G.B.T.Q. issues. It helps to share information about some of the issues faced by
the community. These orientations are criminalized in many countries around the world.
They are not allowed to have relationships and cannot be legally married. People in
the community face a lot of prejudice and discrimination. They also face some hostility
that can sometimes lead to violence. The holiday helps to remove some of the stigma
surrounding these orientations.
May 29 Memorial Day
Memorial Day is more than just a great excuse for a cookout and a day off from work.
The holiday was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military
service. This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets it apart from Veterans’
Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-when-memorial-day-weekend