Lifestyles…… by Estelia
All About the Month of May
- Named after Maia, a shy Greek goddess in Greek mythology also known as the earth-goddess (Mother Earth).
- May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley whose meaning is Sweetness and Humility
- Sign of the Zodiac and Dates: Taurus – April 21 – May 20
- Characteristics of Taurus: Affectionate, Reliable, Ambitious, Practical & Patient
- May Birthstone: Emerald
There are many special events observed in May – some are serious and others that are fun. Here are a few for you to ponder:
- American Bike Month
- Asparagus Month
- Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
- Flower Month
- National Egg Month
- National Duckling Month
- National Hamburger Month
- National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
- National Strawberry Month
One of the dearest holidays celebrated on the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. This annual American event recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well the positive contributions that they make to society. Although many Mother’s Day celebrations world-wide have quite different origins and traditions, most have now been influenced by the more recent American tradition established by Anna Jarvis, who celebrated it for the first time in 1907, then campaigned to make it an official holiday.
One of my favorite poems is Rudyard Kipling’s Mother o’ Mine. It appeared as the dedication in his novel, The Light That Failed (1891) about a painter who goes blind. The poignant verses reveal the abiding love a mother has for her son.
Mother o’ Mine
If I were hanged on the highest hill,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine
I know whose love would follow me still,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!
If I were drowned in the deepest sea,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine
I know whose tears would come down to me,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!
If I were damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o’ mine, 0 mother o’ mine!
Related Kipling reading:
A Collection of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories
The Jungle Book
Tales of India, the Windermere Series
Finally, dear readers, please don’t forget to shop and dine locally at our many fine boutiques, flower shops and eateries. They need your continued support to stay vibrant!
Happy Mother’s Day, St. Petersburg!
From the Mesimer Team
