May 2024: All 158 Important Awareness Events (For the Month, Days, Weeks)

May 2024: All 158 Important Awareness Events (For the Month, Days, Weeks)

By
Teresa Mersereau

Read Time:35 Minutes

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May is in the middle of spring when people are starting to get outside and enjoy the warming weather. Flowers are sprouting and it seems like the relentless rain has finally come to an end. But May can also be a time for reaching out and spreading awareness of important issues. So, we had to ask: What are all the important awareness events that happen in May 2024?

May has 159 important awareness events. Important monthly events include ALS Awareness Month and Healthy Vision Month; daily events include World Maternal Health Day and Fair Trade Day; and weekly events include Brain Tumor Action Week and Teacher Appreciation Week.

In this article, we share the most important awareness events that happen in May with you—categorized into month-long, day-long, and week-long events. For each event, we provide you with a short description, as well as a link to the main event page for further information.

Related: Explore all important awareness events for all other months too:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Here Are All the Important Awareness Events for May 2024

You can find an overview of all the most important awareness events happening in May in the table below (you can also click on their link to directly jump to their respective section).

Awareness Events
Month-Long Events🧡 ALS Awareness Month
❤️ American Stroke Month
⭐ Apraxia Awareness Month
💜 Arthritis Awareness Month
🌏 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
🐕 Be Kind to Animals Month
💬 Better Hearing and Speech Month
💤 Better Sleep Month
💛 Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
💜 Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
🧠 Brain Cancer Awareness Month
🍞 Celiac Awareness Month
💙 Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
💟 Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month
💜 Fibromyalgia Awareness Month
🥜 Food Allergy Awareness Month
🧑‍🌾 Gardening for Wildlife Month
🏋️ Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
👓 Healthy Vision Month
🧡 Hepatitis Awareness Month
🩸 High Blood Pressure Awareness Month
💛 Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
✡️ Jewish American Heritage Month
💛 Lupus Awareness Month
🪲 Lyme Disease Awareness Month
🤱 Maternal Mental Health Month
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month
🦽 Mobility Awareness Month
💛 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
🧡 Myositis Awareness Month
🧓 Older Americans Month
🗣️ National Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month
💛 National Cancer Research Month
☁️ National Clean Air Month
🧡 National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
💙 National NF (Neurofibromatosis) Month
💜 National Osteoporosis Awareness Month
🚴 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
❤️ National Stroke Awareness Month
🫄 National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
🤗 National Teen Self-Esteem Month
💜 Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
🌷 No Mow May
🧡 Oncology Nursing Month
🐈 Pet Cancer Awareness Month
💙 Preeclampsia Awareness Month
🔥 Wildfire Awareness Month
🧡 Tourette’s Awareness Month (May 15-June 15)
Day-Long Events👷 International Workers’ Day
🦏 Save the Rhino Day
🐟 World Tuna Day
🍊 International Scurvy Awareness Day
🗞️ World Press Freedom Day
🤱 World Maternal Mental Health Day
🐆 International Leopard Day
🐨 Wild Koala Day
🤱 PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) Awareness Day
🌲 Green Up Day in Vermont
⛰️ Greenery Day
💛 World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day
❤️ National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
👏 World Hand Hygiene Day
🇵🇹 World Portuguese Language Day
👪 International Family Equality Day
💜 International Day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta
💛 Melanoma Monday
🧑‍🏫 National Teacher’s Day
🗣️ World Asthma Day
🐴 World Donkey Day
💛 World Ovarian Cancer Day
🔴 World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day
⚖️ John Lewis Day of Action
🕊️ Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
🧒 National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
💜 Ependymoma Awareness Day
🦈 Fintastic Friday
💙 World Lupus Day
🌳 International Day of Argania
❤️ National Lipid Day
🐦 World Migratory Bird Day
🧠 International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases
🧑‍⚕️ International Nurses Day
🌱 International Day of Plant Health
🤱 Mother’s Day
🤝 Fair Trade Day
♀️ National Women’s Checkup Day
🦘 International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
🧡 International Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Awareness Day
💜 Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day
👪 International Day of Families
☮️ International Day of Living Together in Peace
💡 International Day of Light
🏳️‍🌈 National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
♿ Global Accessibility Awareness Day
🤝 National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day
🧠 Mental Health Action Day
🚲 Bike-to-Work Day
📞 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
🏳️‍🌈 International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
💙 World Hypertension Day
💉 World AIDS Vaccine Day
💜 Hepatitis Testing Day
🌏 National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
🧡 World IBD Day
🦓 Endangered Species Day
🏳️‍🌈 Agender Pride Day
🧡 International Behcet’s Disease Awareness Day
💙 International Blue Cone Monochromacy Awareness Day
🐕 National Rescue Dog Day
💛 World Autoimmune and AutoInflammatory Arthritis Day
🐝 World Bee Day
🫖 International Tea Day
🌍 World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
🍎 Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day
🧘 World Meditation Day
🐶 World Dog Day
🌵 International Day for Biological Diversity
🏳️‍🌈 Harvey Milk Day
💛 World Preeclampsia Day
🧡 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
🐢 World Turtle Day
🤗 Mister Rogers’ 143 Day
🌝 Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon
☀️ Don’t Fry Day
🌹 European Day of Parks
🏳️‍🌈 Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day
💜 World Schizophrenia Day
🐟 World Fish Migration Day
🧡 World Thyroid Day
🍞 World Hunger Day
🌱 Intersectional Environmentalist Day
🧼 Menstrual Hygiene Day
🦦 World Otter Day
🐊 National Alligator Day
🍎 Learn About Composting Day
🥦 World Digestive Health Day
🕊️ International Day of UN Peacekeepers
🧡 World Multiple Sclerosis Day
🦜 World Parrot Day
🚬 World No-Tobacco Day
🧓 National Senior Health and Fitness Day
🧒 International Day for Street Children
🥵 National Heat Awareness Day
Week-Long Events🦻 Deaf Awareness Week
🐈 National Pet Week
🐶 Puppy Mill Action Week
🐇 Be Kind To Animals Week
🧑‍🏫 Teacher Appreciation Week
🦺 North American Occupational Safety and Health Week
🧑‍⚕️ National Nurses Week
🧠 Brain Tumor Action Week
🚦 UN Global Road Safety Week
🚺 National Women’s Health Week
💬 National Stuttering Awareness Week
🤗 Mental Health Awareness Week
🩸 National Eosinophil Awareness Week
🧠 Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week
🌏 Queer and Transgender Asian American/Pacific Islander Week
⚖️ Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories

Trivia: May has two different birth flowers, the Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. These flowers traditionally represent fertility, motherhood, and hope.

48 Important Month-Long Awareness Events in May 2024

Month-long awareness events serve as platforms to focus attention on important causes, fostering widespread understanding, engagement, and action:

These extended campaigns allow organizations, communities, and you and other individuals to delve deep into complex issues, raise public awareness, and ignite conversations.

With their extended duration, month-long awareness events provide ample time for educational initiatives, community involvement, and sustained advocacy efforts.

By dedicating an entire month to a specific cause, these awareness events aim to generate lasting impact, empower you and other individuals, and foster positive change within society.

🧡 ALS Awareness Month: ALS Awareness Month raises awareness of ALS, a degenerative neurological condition characterized by loss of motor abilities. This condition still requires a lot of research to find treatments and so raising money and public awareness is essential for improving the lives of ALS sufferers. 

❤️ American Stroke Month: American Stroke Month educates people on the risk factors, symptoms, and complications of strokes. This event particularly emphasizes racial and gender gaps in how strokes are identified and treated. 

Apraxia Awareness Month: Apraxia Awareness Month spreads knowledge about Apraxia, a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to carry out mind-to-body communication. This condition is not widely understood by the medical community, so it is integral that more funding be raised for research. 

💜 Arthritis Awareness Month: Arthritis Awareness Month raises awareness of Arthritis, which consists of debilitating chronic joint pain. It is a very difficult condition to live with and so it is imperative that sufferers get all the support they need. 

🌏 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month acknowledges the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to US culture and history. It is a month to learn more about these cultures and their importance to the country. 

🐕 Be Kind to Animals Month: Be Kind to Animals Month raises awareness of animal welfare, especially pets in households. It reminds people of the responsibility they have towards their animals and encourages them to see the world from their pet’s point of view. 

💬 Better Hearing and Speech Month: Better Hearing and Speech Month sheds light on the many different communication disorders in existence. The month encourages people to get hearing loss screenings and other tests to help catch communication issues early. 

💤 Better Sleep Month: Better Sleep Month encourages people to improve their sleep habits. The month emphasizes the dangers associated with a lack of quality sleep and promotes the health benefits of prioritizing good sleep. 

💛 Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: Bladder Cancer Awareness Month draws attention to bladder cancers and the 80,000 US diagnoses made every year. This event encourages fundraising for research and encourages support for those with this form of cancer. 

💜 Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month: Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month sheds light on the condition of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which is characterized by emotional instability. This disorder still carries stigma, so it is important to educate the general public about BPD’s symptoms and support services. 

🧠 Brain Cancer Awareness Month: Brain Cancer Awareness Month spreads awareness of the signs, risk factors, and complications of various brain cancers. The month encourages people to educate themselves about brain cancers and donate funds to research initiatives. 

🍞 Celiac Awareness Month: Celiac Awareness Month encourages education about Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition wherein the gut reacts negatively to gluten. During this month, take the time to understand the difficulties of living with Celiac and maybe even try some gluten-free recipes!

💙 Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month sheds light on the realities of living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a cell-based disorder that can cause lung and organ damage. This disease can be very debilitating, so sufferers often need support. 

💟 Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month raises awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, a set of rare genetic conditions that affect skin connectivity tissue. Because of their lower prominence in the popular consciousness, this month is important for bringing them to the forefront. 

💜 Fibromyalgia Awareness Month: Fibromyalgia Awareness Month highlights the condition of Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain disorder. It is an excruciating illness to live with and so accommodations for sufferers, as well as research, are essential. 

🥜 Food Allergy Awareness Month: Food Allergy Awareness Month educates people about all the various food allergies that affect people’s diets and everyday life. Living with an allergy can range from inconvenient to life-threatening, so being aware of people’s needs is vital. 

🧑‍🌾 Gardening for Wildlife Month: Gardening for Wildlife Month draws attention to the importance of accommodating wildlife within your landscaping practices. The month encourages people to plant native plants to attract pollinators and provide habitats, rather than keeping a monoculture lawn. 

🏋️ Global Employee Health and Fitness Month: Global Employee Health and Fitness Month promotes healthy lifestyles within the workplace. The month encourages employers to prioritize health for their employees, both through increasing health benefits and encouraging healthy lifestyles in the workplace. 

👓 Healthy Vision Month: Healthy Vision Month promotes proper eye care, especially preventative measures to prevent vision conditions. The month particularly supports getting regular eye exams to catch any issues as early as possible. 

🧡 Hepatitis Awareness Month: Hepatitis Awareness Month puts Hepatitis at the forefront as an important public health risk. The month particularly encourages mass testing for Hepatitis and related conditions, including HIV. 

🩸 High Blood Pressure Awareness Month: High Blood Pressure Awareness Month raises awareness of the complications associated with high blood pressure. The month advocates for ways to lower blood pressure and highlights the importance of getting blood pressure screenings. 

💛 Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month: Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month spreads awareness of Huntington’s Disease, a condition characterized by nerve damage in the brain. It is a degenerative disease, so sufferers need to be screened early to get the help they need. 

✡️ Jewish American Heritage Month: Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans. As a group that still faces discrimination, we need to acknowledge the importance of the Jewish people to US culture. 

💛 Lupus Awareness Month: Lupus Awareness Month educates people about Lupus, a debilitating autoimmune condition that can cause fatal organ failure. This event particularly encourages supporting fundraisers for Lupus research. 

🪲 Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Lyme Disease Awareness Month sheds light on Lyme Disease, a dangerous condition contracted from tick bites. The month encourages early detection of Lyme Disease and preventative measures to avoid ticks. 

🤱 Maternal Mental Health Month: Maternal Mental Health Month spotlights mothers in the mental health space, emphasizing many of the specific mental health challenges faced by mothers, such as postpartum depression. The month encourages mothers to speak up about their mental health struggles to help reduce stigma and build supportive communities. 

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Awareness Month opens up the conversation about mental health, especially the signs of mental illness. It advocates for stronger support networks and government policies to help those struggling with mental health issues. 

🦽 Mobility Awareness Month: Mobility Awareness Month celebrates the achievements of those who live with mobility-based disabilities. Because they experience many preventable obstacles, it is important that those with mobility issues have a platform to share their accessibility needs and accomplishments. 

💛 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month spreads awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a degenerative autoimmune disorder that leads to a lack of mobility. This illness is very difficult to navigate, so strong information and support systems are necessary. 

🧡 Myositis Awareness Month: Myositis Awareness Month draws attention to Myositis, a condition characterized by muscle inflammation. The goal of this month-long event is to build a strong Myositis community. 

🧓 Older Americans Month: Older Americans Month is about celebrating the importance of elders within American society. The month encourages people to consider the perspectives of older Americans, a group often overlooked in mainstream culture. 

🗣️ National Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month: National Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month emphasizes how serious asthma and allergies can be. The month promotes healthy coping mechanisms and preventative measures for these conditions. 

💛 National Cancer Research Month: National Cancer Research Month celebrates the achievements of cancer researchers around the world. It also promotes the funding of these research programs so researchers can keep doing great work. 

☁️ National Clean Air Month: National Clean Air Month was founded by the American Lung Association and advocates for the importance of clean air for human health. With pollution on the rise worldwide, this month is an integral reminder of the importance of clean air. 

🧡 National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month: National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month promotes awareness around the cancers that affect the skin. These cancers are incredibly common, with over 5 million diagnoses every year in the US alone, so people need to be aware of their risk factors. 

💙 National NF (Neurofibromatosis) Month: National NF (Neurofibromatosis) Month spreads information about Neurofibromatosis (NF), a cancerous condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves. The month promotes visibility and community for those living with NF. 

💜 National Osteoporosis Awareness Month: National Osteoporosis Awareness Month sheds light on Osteoporosis, a condition which is characterized by weakening bones. The month particularly focuses on preventative measures for Osteoporosis. 

🚴 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, also known as #moveinmay, promotes staying active through sports and physical activity. The month is full of many school and community activities to get people moving. 

❤️ National Stroke Awareness Month: National Stroke Awareness Month draws attention to the symptoms, risk factors, and complications of strokes. Dealing with a stroke can be a life-changing experience and so having a strong education and support system can make all the difference. 

🫄 National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month: National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month provides teens with the contraceptive education to help prevent teen pregnancy. The month encourages open conversations about safe sex between teens, parents, and teachers. 

🤗 National Teen Self-Esteem Month: National Teen Self-Esteem Month works to build the confidence of teens everywhere. The month promotes projects that highlight teens’ talents and help them develop their identity. 

💜 Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month: Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month spreads awareness of Necrotizing Fasciitis, a deep tissue infection that can be fatal. Due to the extreme nature and short lifespan of the condition, it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms and get help as quickly as possible. 

🌷 No Mow May: No Mow May encourages people to abstain from mowing their lawns during the month of May to help promote biodiversity within urban communities. Helping your garden rewild itself can provide habitats and sustenance for local wildlife and pollinators. 

🧡 Oncology Nursing Month: Oncology Nursing Month celebrates the nurses who work in oncology, honoring their contributions to the field of medical care. The month encourages appreciation messages and gifts to oncology nurses in your life. 

🐈 Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Pet Cancer Awareness Month reminds people about the prevalence of cancer among pets. The month encourages people to get their pets tested for cancers and to provide the best resources possible for their pets’ health. 

💙 Preeclampsia Awareness Month: Preeclampsia Awareness Month raises awareness for Preeclampsia, a hypertensive pregnancy disorder which causes high blood pressure in the mother. This condition does not have a cure and so funding for research is essential for the future of this condition’s sufferers.

🔥 Wildfire Awareness Month: Wildfire Awareness Month sheds light on the devastating impacts of wildfires and provides resources for wildfire preparedness. In an era where climate change is worsening wildfires around the world, it is more important than ever to educate people on preparedness. 

🧡 May 15-June 15, Tourette’s Awareness Month: Tourette’s Awareness Month educates the public about the realities of Tourette’s Syndrome and aims to break the stigmas surrounding it. The day promotes the real stories of those living with Tourette’s to educate the public. 

94 Important Day-Long Awareness Events in May 2024

Day-long awareness events offer concentrated and focused efforts to draw attention to specific causes or commemorate important occasions:

These events serve as catalysts for raising awareness, promoting education, and sparking meaningful conversations within a condensed time frame.

With a concentrated burst of activities, day-long awareness events aim to engage you and other individuals, communities, and organizations, encouraging them to take immediate action, show support, or honor significant milestones.

By dedicating a single day to a particular cause, these awareness events create opportunities for concentrated impact, reflection, and collective mobilization toward positive change.

👷 May 1, International Workers’ Day: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday which celebrates worlding-class laborers. It is often marked with demonstrations celebrating the implementation of the eight-hour workday. 

🦏 May 1, Save the Rhino Day: Save the Rhino Day raises awareness of the dangers that rhinos face in the world today, such as habitat loss and poaching. The day advocates for stricter conservation efforts for rhinos to ensure we don’t lose this species altogether. 

🐟 May 2, World Tuna Day: World Tuna Day sheds light on the issue of sustainability within the tuna industry. It advocates for a global commitment to completely sustainable tuna fishing by 2027. 

🍊 May 2, International Scurvy Awareness Day: International Scurvy Awareness Day reminds people that scurvy is still a dangerous illness in the world today. It advocates for strong vitamin C consumption to help prevent the condition. 

🗞️ May 3, World Press Freedom Day: World Press Freedom Day is a UN-designated day which reminds governments to prioritize freedom of press as a necessary function of democracy. It is critical to prevent the attacks on journalists that occur frequently on a global scale. 

🤱 May 3, World Maternal Mental Health Day: World Maternal Mental Health Day draws attention to the specific mental health conditions that affect mothers. These might include postpartum depression, isolation, anxiety, and more. 

🐆 May 3, International Leopard Day: International Leopard Day celebrates the leopard species while also drawing attention to the threats they face in the wild. As an endangered species, it is more important than ever that the threats to leopards are addressed. 

🐨 May 3, Wild Koala Day: Wild Koala Day raises awareness of the threats facing koalas’ habitats in Australia. As one of the 10 species most at risk from climate change, koalas’ welfare needs to be front and center in the fight against the climate crisis. 

🤱 May 3 (varies), PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) Awareness Day: PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) Awareness Day raises awareness of those who experience psychosis during the perinatal period. On top of the other support that parents need during this time, extra mental health support for those experiencing PPP is especially essential. 

🌲 May 4 (varies), Green Up Day in Vermont: Green Up Day in Vermont is an annual roadside trash cleanup day in the state of Vermont. It is meant to raise awareness about street litter and make for a cleaner landscape. 

⛰️ May 4, Greenery Day: Greenery Day is a Japanese national public holiday which celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa, renamed to appreciate the greenery of Japan. The day is typically celebrated by exploring nature and giving thanks. 

💛 May 4, World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day: World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day educates people on Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Because the condition is rare, many people aren’t aware of it and so this day is very important for public knowledge. 

❤️ May 5, National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day: National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day acknowledges the reality of the sheer number of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The day aims to put an end to this trend and bring justice to the cases that have occurred. 

👏 May 5, World Hand Hygiene Day: World Hand Hygiene Day is a WHO-designated holiday which emphasizes the importance of handwashing in public health. Especially in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to prioritize hand hygiene. 

🇵🇹 May 5, World Portuguese Language Day: World Portuguese Language Day is a UNESCO-designated day which celebrates the Portuguese language worldwide. The day aims to bring together Portuguese-speaking countries and acknowledge the achievements of Portuguese culture. 

👪 May 5 (varies), International Family Equality Day: International Family Equality Day is a day for celebrating LGBTQ+ families all over the world. With the discrimination many still face today, we need to make sure that diverse families have community and support. 

💜 May 6, International Day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta: International Day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a bone disorder that causes brittleness. Those living with this disorder require many accommodations because of limited mobility.

💛 May 6 (varies), Melanoma Monday: Melanoma Monday raises awareness about the signs of melanoma, as well as ways of preventing it. It encourages people to routinely self-screen and get tests if they notice irregularities. 

🧑‍🏫 May 7 (varies), National Teacher’s Day: National Teacher’s Day is a day for appreciating teachers all over the US. With many funding difficulties facing teachers all over the US education system, they need our support to thrive. 

🗣️ May 7, World Asthma Day: World Asthma Day raises awareness about asthma’s complications and the inequality in global access to asthma care. The day also draws attention to the role of environmental pollution as a contributor to asthma. 

🐴 May 8, World Donkey Day: World Donkey Day raises awareness about the mass exploitation happening to donkeys all around the world. It encourages people to take action towards donkey protection and learn as much as they can about these amazing creatures. 

💛 May 8, World Ovarian Cancer Day: World Ovarian Cancer Day educates people on the signs, risk factors, and complications of ovarian cancer. The day is all about creating a community of solidarity in the fight against ovarian cancer. 

🔴 May 8, World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day: World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day celebrates the birthday of Jean Henri Durant, the founder of the Red Cross. The day is about reinforcing the principles of the Red Cross and commemorating its achievements over its three-century-spanning run. 

⚖️ May 8, John Lewis Day of Action: John Lewis Day of Action is an annual protest opposing voter suppression, especially in Black communities throughout the US. The day draws attention to shrinking access to voting and calls for laws that protect civil liberties and make voting easier. 

🕊️ May 8 and 9, Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War: Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War is a UN-designated day which commemorates the loss of life during the World Wars, especially in a borderless context. The day distinguishes itself from victory days by being particularly focused on mourning. 

🧒 May 9 (varies), National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day emphasizes the importance of mental healthcare for children and teens. The formative years of one’s life can come with a lot of unique challenges, so they cannot be forgotten when it comes to mental health care.

💜 May 10, Ependymoma Awareness Day: Ependymoma Awareness Day raises awareness of Ependymoma, a rare type of brain tumor occurring between the brain and the spinal cord. The day emphasizes community and empowerment. 

🦈 May 10 (varies), Fintastic Friday: Fintastic Friday raises awareness of shark welfare worldwide. As an often misunderstood animal, it is incredibly important to celebrate sharks and advocate for their welfare. 

💙 May 10, World Lupus Day: World Lupus Day spreads awareness about Lupus, an autoimmune condition with serious complications. The day focuses on empowering the 5 million people living with lupus around the world today. 

🌳 May 10, International Day of Argania: International Day of Argania is a UN-designated day which celebrates the amazing qualities of the argan tree. The tree, which provides argan oil, is a highly sustainable tree and is thus an important crop when it comes to fostering sustainability in agriculture. 

❤️ May 10, National Lipid Day: National Lipid Day raises awareness for dyslipidemia, a disorder that causes unusually high cholesterol. The day aims to empower those with the illness and encourages people to volunteer at dyslipidemia events. 

🐦 May 11 (varies), World Migratory Bird Day: World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the migration seasons of birds in the spring, with another parallel day in October. The day also aims to draw attention to global bird conservation. 

🧠 May 12, International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases: International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases celebrates the birthday of Florence Nightingale while raising awareness for various immunological and neurological diseases. These diseases include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and more. 

🧑‍⚕️ May 12, International Nurses Day: International Nurses Day marks the contributions made by nurses worldwide. The day is celebrated with things like nurse gatherings and ceremonial events. 

🌱 May 12, International Day of Plant Health: International Day of Plant Health emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in global agriculture. The day emphasizes plant health in the fight against the climate crisis and ecological breakdown. 

🤱 May 12 (varies), Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day celebrates mothers all over the world. It is an honoring of the historical contributions of motherhood and is often observed by bonding activities between mothers and children. 

🤝 May 13 (varies), Fair Trade Day: Fair Trade Day celebrates the need for fair trade certification in the global economy. The day emphasizes the importance of small farms and transparency within agriculture. 

♀️ May 13, National Women’s Checkup Day: National Women’s Checkup Day encourages women to be proactive about their health and make appointments with their healthcare provider. Many screenings occur during these routine checkups, which can catch many conditions early and potentially save lives. 

🦘 May 15, International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day: International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day educates people on the importance of skin-to-skin contact in newborn care. The day advocates for a safety-based approach to kangaroo care. 

🧡 May 15, International Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Awareness Day: International Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Awareness Day spreads knowledge about MPS, an enzyme disorder. This day discusses the 12 different types of MPS and helps people to understand the signs and symptoms. 

💜 May 15, Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day: Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day raises awareness about Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a pregnancy disorder characterized by rapid weight loss and dehydration. This condition comes with significant risk to the mother and child and so people should be aware of the signs and risk groups. 

👪 May 15, International Day of Families: International Day of Families is a UN-designated day which emphasizes the importance of family to the world’s social structures and economies. It especially opens up discussions about the implications of lower birth rates and its relationship to changing family structures in the 21st century. 

☮️ May 16, International Day of Living Together in Peace: International Day of Living Together in Peace is a UN-designated day which advocates for accepting differences as the most important aspect of peace and unity. The day calls on the world’s governments to promote inclusivity within their policies. 

💡 May 16, International Day of Light: International Day of Light is a UNESCO-designated day which celebrates scientific research in the field of light. This field has led to important innovations in the energy sector, as well as shaped our understanding of the universe. 

🏳️‍🌈 May 16, National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day: National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day centers the voices and honors the achievements of older people within the LGBTQ+ community. It is a memorial day to acknowledge the difficulties they faced, but also an important day of cross-generational conversation. 

♿ May 16 (varies), ‍Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Global Accessibility Awareness Day advocates for the 1 billion people worldwide who have disabilities. This is a time to advocate for the increased implementation of accessibility services, whether it be accommodations for mobility, hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities.

🤝 May 16, National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day: National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day reminds people of the importance of neighbors as a relationship and encourages people to reach out to those who live around them. The day is about strengthening communities through kindness. 

🧠 May 16 (varies), Mental Health Action Day: Mental Health Action Day advocates for strong support systems and mental healthcare for all. The day encourages people to seek help if they are experiencing mental health concerns. 

🚲 May 17 (varies), Bike-to-Work Day: Bike-to-Work Day celebrates the importance of cycling as a method of transportation and encourages people to cycle to work, especially instead of driving. With the growing climate and energy crisis, it is more important than ever to explore sustainable travel options. 

📞 May 17, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is a UN-designated day which advocates for connectivity as a human right around the world. It argues for internet connection as a tool with the potential to lift up economies. 

🏳️‍🌈 May 17, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia emphasizes the continued discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. With a third of countries still actively outlawing homosexuality, it is imperative that the community stands in solidarity for protection and in pursuit of justice. 

💙 May 17, World Hypertension Day: World Hypertension Day reminds people about the importance of doing routine blood pressure checks. The day advocates for preventative measures for hypertension. 

💉 May 18, World AIDS Vaccine Day: World AIDS Vaccine Day reminds people of the urgency of creating a vaccine to prevent AIDS. The day advocates for more funding for research into developing an AIDS vaccine.

💜 May 19, Hepatitis Testing Day: Hepatitis Testing Day encourages people to get tested for Hepatitis. Since many Americans are unaware they have it, mass testing is the best method for early detection. 

🌏 May 19, National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights the specific experience of Asian and Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AIDS. The day advocates for an end to stigmas surrounding the illness and support and healthcare for sufferers. 

🧡 May 19, World IBD Day: World IBD Day raises awareness for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The day advocates for support for people living with these conditions. 

🦓 May 19 (varies), Endangered Species Day: Endangered Species Day spreads awareness about the many endangered and threatened species around the world. The day advocates for people to support conservation efforts which protect wildlife and discourage harmful practices like poaching and overfishing. 

🏳️‍🌈 May 19, Agender Pride Day: Agender Pride Day celebrates the people who don’t identify with any particular gender. This group is often erased in the mainstream so it is vital to share their stories on this day. 

🧡 May 20, International Behcet’s Disease Awareness Day: International Behcet’s Disease Awareness Day raises awareness for Behcet’s Disease, an inflammatory condition which is characterized by ulcers, skin issues, among other ailments. The day focuses on educating people on how to care for someone with the condition. 

💙 May 20, International Blue Cone Monochromacy Awareness Day: International Blue Cone Monochromacy Awareness Day educates people about living with Blue Cone Monochromacy, a vision condition affecting males exclusively. This condition is very difficult to live with and so spreading awareness about it is essential. 

🐕 May 20, National Rescue Dog Day: National Rescue Dog Day raises awareness of the amount of dogs that live in animal shelters. The day encourages people to adopt these dogs and give them a good home. 

💛 May 20, World Autoimmune and AutoInflammatory Arthritis Day: World Autoimmune and AutoInflammatory Arthritis Day sheds light on all the symptoms and complications of living with arthritis, which consists of chronic joint pain. Those living with the condition require accommodations, and so it is essential for the general public to be aware of the condition. 

🐝 May 20, World Bee Day: World Bee Day is a UN-designated day celebrating the importance of bees to the global ecosystem. It encourages preservation efforts for pollinators to help protect their declining populations. 

🫖 May 21, International Tea Day: International Tea Day is a UN-designated day celebrating the history and importance of tea in many cultures around the world. It also promotes tea as a force for economic growth and sustainability. 

🌍 May 21, World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a UN-designated day celebrating all the diverse cultures around the world. The day promotes intercultural dialogue as a force for international diplomacy

🍎 May 21, Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day: Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day promotes fruits and vegetables as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. On this day, you can celebrate by making a favorite salad or eating your favorite fruit. 

🧘 May 21, World Meditation Day: World Meditation Day educates people on the benefits of meditation for mind and body. You can celebrate the day by taking a meditation workshop or trying it on your own!

🐶 May 21, World Dog Day: World Dog Day celebrates the diversity and amazing qualities of dogs. The day also raises awareness about dog rescue missions and advocates for responsible pet ownership. 

🌵 May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity: International Day for Biological Diversity is a UN-designated day which advocates for biological conservation all over the globe. With many species and habitats under threat, it is more important than ever to protect the rich biodiversity of the earth. 

🏳️‍🌈 May 22, Harvey Milk Day: Harvey Milk Day commemorates the anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, a politician and gay rights activist. The day advocates for an end to anti-gay discrimination. 

💛 May 22, World Preeclampsia Day: World Preeclampsia Day educates people about the condition of Preeclampsia, a pregnancy illness characterized by high blood pressure. This disease results in thousands of deaths per year, and so it is essential that measures are taken to reduce these outcomes. 

🧡 May 23, International Day to End Obstetric Fistula: International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is a UN-designated day aiming to end Fistula, a reproductive illness affecting women, by the year 2030. This illness is preventable, but solutions can be difficult to access for some, which is why improving funding and access to preventative care is essential. 

🐢 May 23, World Turtle Day: World Turtle Day celebrates the amazing qualities of turtles. The day also advocates for turtle preservation efforts amid their disappearing habitats all over the world. 

🤗 May 23, Mister Rogers’ 143 Day: Mister Rogers’ 143 Day celebrates his numbered code for “I love you,” based on the words’ character counts. The day more broadly celebrates Mister Rogers and his legacy of kindness. 

🌝 May 23 (varies), Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon: Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon is a sacred Buddhist holiday, marking both the date that the Buddha reached enlightenment and the day he died. The day is also observed by the UN as a day to celebrate the cultural importance of Buddhism to world history. 

☀️ May 24 (varies), Don’t Fry Day: Don’t Fry Day raises awareness for the skin cancer risks of exposure to UV rays. The day encourages people to take precautions when going out in the sun. 

🌹 May 24, European Day of Parks: European Day of Parks promotes the importance of parks, especially in urban areas. You can celebrate by advocating for local greenspace or simply spending time in one of your city’s parks. 

🏳️‍🌈 May 24, Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day: Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day celebrates the pansexual and panromantic community. These identities don’t have as much visibility in the mainstream as others, so it is important to bring them to the forefront. 

💜 May 24, World Schizophrenia Day: World Schizophrenia Day educates the public about the realities of living with schizophrenia. The day aims to foster understanding and dispel common misconceptions about this often-stigmatized illness. 

🐟 May 25 (Celebrated every other year), World Fish Migration Day: World Fish Migration Day celebrates the rivers used by fish in their migratory patterns. The day advocates for safe and free-flowing rivers to help facilitate these important migrations. 

🧡 May 25, World Thyroid Day: World Thyroid Day raises awareness about all the conditions associated with the thyroid, as well as the thyroid’s role in general health and wellbeing. The day encourages people to get routine thyroid checks for their health. 

🍞 May 28, World Hunger Day: World Hunger Day fights to end hunger around the world. The day especially focuses on everyday hunger, rather than specific famines, and advocates for equal access to food for all. 

🌱 May 28, Intersectional Environmentalist Day: Intersectional Environmentalist Day frontlines historically disenfranchised voices within the environmental movement. It strives to protect both the planet and the people on it. 

🧼 May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day: Menstrual Hygiene Day advocates for an end to stigma around menstruation and for equal access to menstrual hygiene products. The day aims to remove taboos around menstruation as a natural bodily function and celebrate those who menstruate. 

🦦 May 29 (varies), World Otter Day: World Otter Day celebrates the amazing qualities of otters and advocates for conservation efforts for their welfare. The day is observed with otter preservation events. 

🐊 May 29, National Alligator Day: National Alligator Day celebrates the unique qualities of alligators and debunks some common myths about them. Alligators are an iconic American animal, especially in the Southeast and so they are incredibly important to highlight. 

🍎 May 29, Learn About Composting Day: Learn About Composting Day celebrates composting as an important force in eco-friendly waste management. The day encourages people to try composting for themselves. 

🥦 May 29, World Digestive Health Day: World Digestive Health Day educates people about the importance of a healthy gut for overall well being. Extensive recent research on the power of gut microbes has shown just how integral gut health is. 

🕊️ May 29, International Day of UN Peacekeepers: International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a UN-designated day celebrating the UN tradition of peacekeeping diplomats. The day also draws attention to the challenges that these peacekeepers face out in the world. 

🧡 May 30, World Multiple Sclerosis Day: World Multiple Sclerosis Day celebrates global solidarity among sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their families. The day advocates for quality care for those with MS. 

🦜 May 31, World Parrot Day: World Parrot Day educates people about the qualities of parrots while also informing the public about the challenges they face in the wild. As a threatened species, it is incredibly important to advocate for parrots’ welfare. 

🚬 May 31, World No-Tobacco Day: World No-Tobacco Day is a WHO-designated day which sheds light on the health dangers of tobacco use. The day challenges people all over the world to go without tobacco on this day. 

🧓 May 31, National Senior Health and Fitness Day: National Senior Health and Fitness Day emphasizes the importance of health and fitness in seniors’ daily lives. The day encourages seniors to take up new physical activities and be more conscious of their diets. 

🧒 May 31, International Day for Street Children: International Day for Street Children advocates for an end to child homelessness and aims to protect the rights of street children around the world. The day presents practical solutions to child homelessness and urges governments to implement them. 

🥵 May 31 (varies), National Heat Awareness Day: National Heat Awareness Day urges employers to take the proper safety precautions in warning their workers against heat dangers. The day emphasizes the risks associated with heat exposure and encourages solutions. 

16 Important Week-Long Awareness Events in May 2024

Week-long awareness events provide a balanced and dynamic approach to spotlighting important causes and promoting widespread engagement: 

These events span an entire week, allowing for sustained focus, activities, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.

With their intermediate duration, week-long awareness events offer a comprehensive platform to educate, advocate, and mobilize communities. They provide opportunities for impactful campaigns, interactive events, and collaborative efforts to address complex issues and drive positive change.

By dedicating an entire week to a specific cause, these awareness events foster a sense of momentum, unity, and lasting impact, empowering you and other individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the cause.

🦻 May 1–7 (varies), Deaf Awareness Week: Deaf Awareness Week educates people about the realities of hearing impairments and advocates for accessibility services for those living with them. The week also spreads information about hearing impairment through statistics. 

🐈 May 5–11 (varies), National Pet Week: National Pet Week celebrates the relationship between pets and their caregivers. The week advocates for ethical and responsible pet ownership. 

🐶 May 5–11 (varies), Puppy Mill Action Week: Puppy Mill Action Week raises awareness of the inhumane practices that occur in puppy mills. These businesses are extremely harmful to dogs and unfortunately represent a large portion of the pet industry. 

🐇 May 5–11 (varies), Be Kind To Animals Week: Be Kind To Animals Week advocates for improving the lives of animals around the world and fighting animal cruelty. The week encourages people to educate themselves about animal welfare. 

🧑‍🏫 May 6–10 (varies), Teacher Appreciation Week: Teacher Appreciation Week honors teachers and educators all over the US. The week draws attention to the many challenges they face and aims to support them in bringing education to the country. 

🦺 May 6–11 (varies), North American Occupational Safety and Health Week: North American Occupational Safety and Health Week raises awareness about the many dangers in the workplace, including injury and illness. The week encourages employers to establish safety as an important priority in the workplace and for employees to speak out if their rights are being violated. 

🧑‍⚕️ May 6–12 (varies), National Nurses Week: National Nurses Week celebrates the important contributions from nurses throughout the US. The week is observed with nurse-centric events and testimonials from people about how nurses have shaped their lives. 

🧠 May 7–13 (varies), Brain Tumor Action Week: Brain Tumor Action Week raises awareness for the amount of brain tumor diagnoses prevalent in the world today and their significance in cancer death rates. The week aims to support those who have been diagnosed and their families by advocating for public education and access to healthcare and support systems. 

🚦 May 10–14 (varies), UN Global Road Safety Week: UN Global Road Safety Week is a WHO-designated week which raises awareness for the prevalence of road accidents around the world, many of which result in serious injuries or fatalities. The week aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. 

🚺 May 12–18 (varies), National Women’s Health Week: National Women’s Health Week raises awareness for health issues that disproportionately affect women. The week encourages women to take control of their health and focus on preventative care. 

💬 May 13–19 (varies), National Stuttering Awareness Week: National Stuttering Awareness Week aims to platform the thousands of people who stutter. The week aims to smash stigmas about stuttering and provide resources for those who struggle with speech impediments. 

🤗 May 13–19 (varies), Mental Health Awareness Week: Mental Health Awareness Week sheds light on the impact mental illness can have on people and their lives. It advocates for strong support systems for those with mental health issues and encourages people to open up conversations about mental illness. 

🩸 May 19–25 (varies), National Eosinophil Awareness Week: National Eosinophil Awareness Week raises awareness about Eosinophils, or white blood cells. The week aims to draw attention to the conditions associated with Eosinophils. 

🧠 May 20-26 (varies), Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week: Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week educates people on the true dangers of brain injuries. Brain injuries can result in fatalities as well as lifelong disabilities and so raising awareness for them is crucial. 

🌏 May 22–29, Queer and Transgender Asian American/Pacific Islander Week: Queer and Transgender Asian American/Pacific Islander Week celebrates those from Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The week straddles May, which is Asian American and Pacific Islander month and June, which is Pride month, to merge the two identities together. 

⚖️ May 25–31, Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories: Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is a UN-designated week in solidarity for those living in occupied regions where their culture, language, or autonomy may be suppressed. Many of these groups live under very oppressive regimes, so it is important for them to have solidarity from the rest of the world. 

Related: Explore all important awareness events for all other months too:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

May in History: The Most Important and Impactful Events of the Past

🏛️ May 1, 1851: The Great Exhibition opened in London’s Crystal Palace. The two-week exhibition showcased innovation from cultures all around the world. 

🇬🇧 May 2, 1997: Tony Blair was elected as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Blair was one of the youngest people to ever hold the office and his tenure marked the first time the Labour Party had been in power in almost 20 years. 

📜 May 3, 1996: A revision of the Geneva convention decided to include landmines and other such weaponry on their disarmament plan. This was an important moment for world peace. 

🚌 May 4, 1961: The first Freedom Ride took place, a series of anti-segregation protests raising awareness for discrimination on public transport. This series of protests put pressure on the US government to enforce anti-segregation laws, particularly in Southern states. 

🇲🇽 May 5, 1862: Mexican forces celebrated a major victory over Napoleon’s French invasion. The day is still celebrated in Mexico and in the Mexican diaspora as Cinco de Mayo

🗞️ May 6, 1835: The first issue of the New York Herald was published by James Gordon Bennet Sr. It later merged with the New York Tribune to form the New York Herald Tribune, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning newspaper. 

🎭 May 7, 1663: The Royal Theatre, now known as the Drury Lane Theatre, opened in London. It is the oldest theater in England that is still in use. 

☮️ May 8, 1945: Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day was celebrated at the final surrender of German forces. This day marks the end of the six-year European conflict of World War II. 

💊 May 9, 1960: The United States Federal Drug Administration announced that it would authorize the use of oral contraceptives for specifically contraceptive use. The drug had been previously approved for menstrual disorders. 

🇿🇦 May 10, 1994: Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first President of South Africa. His heavy involvement with the anti-apartheid movement was an important factor in his election. 

♟️ May 11, 1997: The chess-playing computer program Deep Blue beat the world’s leading chess champion, Garry Kasparov. This was an important step in the rise of artificial intelligence. 

🎈 May 12, 1926: Roald Amundsen and Lincoln Ellsworth made the first uninterrupted zeppelin voyage over the South Pole. This was an important landmark in exploration of that region, as well as air travel. 

🚣 May 13, 1958: Ben Carlin arrived in Montreal, Canada, completing his 10 year circumnavigation around the globe. He was the first person to complete this journey via amphibious vehicle. 

🛰️ May 14, 1973: The first US space station, known as Skylab, was launched. This space station was particularly notable for examining the effect of space conditions on the human body. 

♀️ May 15, 1991: Edith Cresson of the Socialist Party was elected as the first Female Premier of France. This was an important moment for women in politics. 

⛰️ May 16: Junko Tabei completed her Everest climb. With this completion, she became the first woman to ever scale the mountain. 

⚖️ May 17, 1954: The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case resulted in the complete outlawing of segregation in US schools. This was a momentous moment for the civil rights movement. 

✈️ May 18, 1953: Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to ever break the sound barrier with her flight on the Sabre. This was an important moment for women in aviation. 

🌲 May 19, 1911: Parks Canada was founded, overseeing all the National Parks of Canada. This was the first National Parks service in the world, which helped lay the groundwork for nature conservation worldwide. 

🧑‍🌾 May 20 1862: The US Homestead Act was signed, granting land to those who were willing to cultivate it for five years. This was an important act that helped many poor farmers get started. 

✈️ May 21, 1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first nonstop solo transatlantic flight. This was an important moment for aviation, as well as in the development of transatlantic travel. 

🏛️ May 22, 337: Emperor Constantine of Rome was baptized. This officially made the Roman Empire a Christian Empire and was the major catalyst in making Christianity a major world religion. 

⚔️ May 23, 1430: Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians. This event, though tragic, led to her martyrdom, solidifying her legacy and, eventually, sainthood. 

🌉 May 24, 1883: The Brooklyn Bridge opened. This was an important moment in American engineering as well as the landscape of New York City. 

🚀 May 25, 1961: President John F. Kennedy announced that the US space program would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. This promise would come true and become the defining moment of the space age. 

🇬🇾 May 26, 1966: Guyana gained independence from France. This was the beginning of their status as an independent sovereign nation. 

📕 May 27, 1994: Alexander Solzhenitsyn finally returned to his native Russia after being exiled for 20 years. He was notable for writing honest first-hand accounts of life in the Gulag system. 

🕊️ May 28, 1961: Amnesty International was founded. The organization aims to enforce the laws laid out in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and hold non-abiding governments accountable. 

⛰️ May 29, 1953: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully completed their summit of Mount Everest. They became the first documented humans to do so. 

🏛️ May 30, 1922: The Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, DC. The monument honored Lincoln and his important contributions to US history, especially during the Civil War. 

🖊️ May 31, 1790: Copyright law was established in the United States. This was an instrumental move which helped artists and writers receive adequate compensation for their work. 

The History of the Month May: Its Development Over Time and Interesting Facts

May, the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, boasts a captivating history. It weaves a tale spanning ancient calendars, significant events, cultural traditions, and much more. Here’s an exploration of its historical evolution:

  • Roman beginnings: In the early Roman calendar, which was originally a ten-month lunar calendar beginning with March, May was the third month. It’s believed to be named after Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and fertility.
  • Addition of January and February: Around 713 BC, during the reign of King Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, January and February were added to the start of the calendar. Consequently, May became the fifth month, but its name remained unchanged.
  • Julian calendar: The implementation of the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar in 46 BC led to adjustments to the Roman calendar. Under the Julian system, the length of May, which had been previously variable, was standardized to 31 days.
  • Gregorian calendar: The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, replaced the Julian calendar. This reform was aimed at better aligning the calendar year with the solar year. May continued as the fifth month, retaining its 31-day length.
  • Religious significance: May is marked by various religious observances across different cultures and faiths. In many Christian denominations, for instance, May is often associated with the Virgin Mary, with specific days dedicated to her honor.
  • Cultural importance: May holds a significant cultural role in many societies. In many countries, May 1 is observed as May Day, a celebration of spring and a traditional holiday that honors the working class. In the United States, Memorial Day, honoring military personnel who have died in the performance of their duties, is observed on the last Monday of May.
  • Seasonal transitions: In terms of seasons, May signifies the transition from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and from autumn to winter in the Southern Hemisphere. This time of year is often associated with growth and renewal.

The history of May is, thus, a vibrant blend of calendar transformations, veneration of deities, cultural observances, and shifts in nature’s cycle, reflecting humanity’s evolving understanding and marking of time.

Related: Explore all important awareness events for all other months too:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Final Thoughts

May is a month full of awareness events and fascinating history. This month reminds us to be aware of very important topics, including Arthritis, maternal mental health, and bee conservation. Its historical status is fascinating too. From the Man on the Moon speech to the first people to climb Mount Everest, there have been many pivotal events to happen in May. So this month, remember to be aware of these important issues and commemorate the historic events that have happened! 

Stay impactful,

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