I have always heard the term the "Merry Month of May". I've never thought much about it. To me it seemed like just an expression. The expression didn't apply to my world. Why should I consider it? In many years here, May is not a merry month. We still get some cold and nasty weather. There are few flowers that bloom. Right now the only flower I have is the blue bell.
So finally after 86 times with Merry Month of May I decided to look into it. Is there some deeper meaning than just a catchy phrase.?
Well I was surprised to see that there are many famous references to the Merry Month of May. There are poems. Thomas Dekker's poem is well known. There are popular songs by Stephen Foster and Nelson Eddy.
I was looking for a special celebration of the day. The only thing I can find is the making and exchange of home made baskets that are exchanged with friends.
Oh yes, there are merry month of M cross word puzzles.
However, I do like the term and the pleasant thoughts that go with it. I'm glad I looked it up.
Our annuals go in around the long weekend, so I think the latter part of the month qualifies as merry where i live. And there are usually a few merry days before that, in between the non-merry ones.
ReplyDeleteI think there is more Merry in May than not!
ReplyDeleteThe song I remember is "I was strolling through the park one day, in the merry, merry month of May..."
ReplyDeleteOur May has been chilly so far but we are seeing lots more blooms!
Here’s one just for you, Red:
ReplyDeleteThe flowers cheer while breezes play,
Spring’s little joke in the merry month of May.
😂
That is perfect!
DeleteAll those people talking about the merry month of May? I will guess they are not from your corner of the world!
ReplyDeleteMay 1st only makes me think of May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. But I don't remember a lot of people wearing leis in May. But maybe we were merry anyway. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the month of May because though it can still be cold, especially up north, it is the month when the sun begins to shine more each day and the weather begins to warm up. Of course where I live, there is new growth for much of the year but more noticeably as spring arrives.
ReplyDeleteHere in Merry Olde England, the merry month of May is a time of blossom on the hedgerows and in the orchards, a time of increasingly summery weather, birds calling, coats put away. It is about fertility and renewal. And of course the month begins with "May Day"..."Down through the centuries May Day has been associated with fun, revelry and perhaps most important of all, fertility. The Day would be marked with village folk cavorting round the maypole, the selection of the May Queen and the dancing figure of the Jack-in-the-Green at the head of the procession. Jack is thought to be a relic from those enlightened days when our ancient ancestors worshipped trees."
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI like the term, Merry month of May too.
I remember the song that Ellen quoted above.
John's poem is cute.
Take care, enjoy your day and the new week ahead.
Our elementary teachers were big on celebrating May Day but after I got into middle school, it ceased to be a holiday since my parents never celebrated it.
ReplyDeleteOh I love May Day!! AND May Baskets! It is a merry start to a month where our yard wakes up after winter!
ReplyDeleteMay is very merry here, with everything blooming, new leaves on trees, oh so beautiful. And celebrations: May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Syttende Mai (Norwegian Independence Day), Mothers Day. You should come visit Seattle in May or June.
ReplyDeleteI'd not thought about it. Good research!
ReplyDeleteI am happy dear Red that you looked for it and feeling positive and happy about rearranging your thoughts regarding the May month 🥰
ReplyDeleteMay is first extremely hot month here and rest is outside the imagination because breathing is the task 😅