Some important days in the month of May
May is the month which is considered as the month of spring through out the world, it has some unique days which have their significance importance and the details are as follows:
1. May Day:
May Day, the first of May is celebrated around the world. It has a number of meanings. In many other countries it is a celebration of spring and the coming of summer. It is celebrated with many spring flowers, many of them blooming right in your own backyard. To communist and socialist countries, it is a celebration for the workers.
In many countries it is celebrated as part of a one to three day holiday. Of particular note, it is not a national holiday in the United States, except in Hawaii where it is known as "Lei Day".
2. Loyalty Day:
Loyalty Day is an opportunity to express and reaffirm our loyalty to our country. In proclaiming this day, President George W. Bush wrote: "We express allegiance to our Nation and its founding ideals, we resolve to ensure that the blessings of liberty endure and extend for generations to come."
But, this day did not start with George Bush' proclamation. It dates back to the 1920's.
On Loyalty Day, we reaffirm our allegiance to our country and resolve to uphold the vision of our Forefathers. We should also take a moment to appreciate the members of our armed forces who are displaying the ultimate in loyalty and service to protect our freedoms, and liberty, and our way of life.
Origin of Loyalty Day:
Loyalty Day was first celebrated in the 1920's. Communism was on the rise, and feared in America. At the time, May Day (May 1st) was perceived by some as a Communist holiday. In a sense, Loyalty Day was intended to counter this.
The U.S. Congress made this an official holiday on July 18, 1958 with the signing of Public Law 85-529. Then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day
3. Garden Meditation Day:
Always on May 3
Walk out to your garden. Roll out your meditation mat, and assume a yoga position, as today is Garden Meditation Day.
Every gardener knows that gardening is good for the mind, body, and soul. It is also known that meditation gives us inner peace and tranquility. It helps us to connect with ourselves, and even with nature. So, Garden Meditation Day is an outstanding merging of the values and benefits of gardening and meditation.
Per C.L, Fornari, the creator of this special day:
"Garden meditation day honors the fact that when we're working in the landscape we have the opportunity, if we choose to take it, to let the rest of the world fall away. This is indeed what meditation is: letting go of all thoughts, concerns, worries and focusing on just one thing...in this case, what we're doing in the garden. It is as calming as a mantra, or focusing on the breath, to name two common forms of meditation. So those who seek a spiritual retreat, a calming yoga experience, actually have that in their own backyards!"
How can we celebrate and participate in Garden Meditation Day? Fornari suggest "Pick one thing to do. It could be pulling weeds, planting seedlings, turning soil or spreading mulch. Go out with the idea that you'll spend X amount of time on that task...it could be 20 minutes or two hours...it doesn't matter but be realistic. Leave your cell phone in the house. That's right, leave your phone behind! (You can do it.) As you work, focus only on what your task at hand is. When you notice other things that have to be done, thank your mind for mentioning those but tell yourself you'll think about those tasks later. Gently turn your mind and body back to the one job at hand every time you're distracted. At the end of your work, or when your time finishes, take satisfaction in what you've accomplished. A deep breath, and then return to the world."
For those of us who are already gardeners, we know this feeling full well. For those of you yet to try your hand at gardening, use today to find the joy, peace, serenity, and therapeutic value of gardening. You'll be glad you did
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If you do not have a garden, and have no way of creating one, here are some great places to do your meditation today:
- An Arboretum
- A Botanical garden
- A park
We hope you have a calm and peaceful Garden Meditation Day.
4. World Press Freedom Day:
Always on May 3
World Press Freedom Day recognizes the value of freedom of expression, and the sacrifices journalist have made to attain this freedom. It was created, and is sponsored, by the United Nations. While we enjoy this freedom in the United States, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression, is not a given right in many countries.
Each year, UNESCO awards the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to someone who has made a major contribution towards journalistic freedom.
World Press Freedom Day activities include UN sponsored conferences and seminars on this issue. Teachers are encouraged to create lesson plans. As individuals, we can learn more about the issues. And, we can support efforts to further freedom of the press.
Origin and History of World Press Freedom Day:
In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd each year to be World Press Freedom Day.
5. International Tuba Day:
First Friday in May
International Tuba Day recognizes musicians around the world who struggle with the weight and size of their big instrument. It's truely an important musical instrument, that no concert or symphonic bandleader would want to be without. It's big, deep sounds provide lots of character and "Oomph" to concert music. Can you imagine a Tuba-less marching band!?
The tuba player has a big job. He lugs this heavy instrument around. He provides the big wind that makes a big impact in the musical world. If you see a Tuba player today, give them some well deserved recognition. If you are a Tuba player, then toot your horn (errr Tuba). We love 'ya!
Here's a few hefty Tuba factoids:
- Tubas come in varying sizes, weighing from a dozen pounds to 50 pounds!
- The Tuba was patented in 1835 by Wiebrecht and Moritz in Germany
- The number of valves on a Tuba is not standardized. A Tuba can have 3,4,5 or six valves.
History and Origin of International Tuba Day:
International Tuba Day was founded by Joel Day in 1979. At the time, Joel was a tuba player in a band at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Pa. He started it as a result of a lack of respect for tuba and tuba players by his fellow musicians.
6. Space Day and International Space Day:
Date When Celebrated: Always the first Friday in May
Space Day gives you the opportunity participate in the excitement and fascination of space. It's a topic of interest to millions, old and young alike. It's a topic as broad as the universe.
Former astronaut and Senator John Glenn expanded Space Day to International Space Day in 2001.
Originally started to get America's youth interested in math and science, Space Day focuses upon creating an interest and awareness of all kinds of topics and issues related to space. This holiday caught on quickly, and became wildly popular.
On this day all kinds of space relate organizations, groups and agencies hold celebrations, demonstrations, and educational programs.
Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate Space Day. Find an event near you and ...go! Visit a science center, or observatory. Get out your telescope and view the heavens. Watch television documentaries on space. Make this a fun day and create your own celebration with your kids or in the workplace. Teachers... don't miss creating a special lesson plan for today. The kids will love it.
7. National Teacher's Day:
Tuesday of the first full week of May
Everybody who does something good, important, and valuable deserves a day in their honor. Teachers certainly are among the most deserving. This day honors those hard working, patient and understanding people whom we entrust our children to. Teachers mold our kids in a positive direction, affecting who they are and who they become. From Kindergarten through college, teachers are an important part of our children's lives.
So let's give 'em their due. If you happen to be a teacher reading this, we personally offer our thanks,. The future of America is in your hands.
There is not a lot on the net written about Teacher's Day. But, every Ecard site has a selection of cards for you to send. Take a quick minute and send one along.
8. Mother's Day:
Second Sunday in May
Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes. When you are hurt, or not feeling well....there is no one else that can help you more than Mom. I saw this clearly recently as our son was in the emergency room. Sure, dad was an important presence. But, the look in my son's eyes with his mom by his side was certain affirmation of mom's comforting ways, and importance.
So go out and celebrate Mother's Day. First and foremost, spend time with her. If you absolutely can not be there, take time for a long phone call. Flowers, cards, candy and gifts are all part of the day. But, mom wants some time with you far more than anything else.
Did you know? The first Mother's Day was May 10, 1908 in Philadelphia.
