The fifth (5th) month of the Gregorian calendar, May is named after the Roman goddess, MAIA.  The worship of Mercury (to whom the planet is dedicated) was associated with the worship of the Roman goddess Maia who is identified as his mother by her association with the Greek goddess Maia – mother of Hermes. Both Mercury and Maia were honoured in pagan festivals on May 15th the dedication day of the Temple of Mercury on the Aventine (built around 500 BC). The Romans believed that MERCURY was the god of merchandise and merchants, and is commonly identified with the Greek HERMES – the fleet-footed messenger of the gods.

This month marks the second (2nd) Biblical Sacred Calendar month called IYYAR or ZIF which commenced from 20th April to 17 May 2015. Prayer direction for that season is found in the April 2015 prayer guide. From 21 May to 17 June 2015 will mark the third (3rd) Sacred Calendar month Sivan.  It will be the tenth (10th) month of the Biblical Civil Calendar.

The fourth Feast of the LORD – The Feast of Weeks (Sh’avuot)  or Pentecost will occur as follows:

• Sundown 5 Sivan 5775 (23 May 2015) Erev Shavuot

• 6-7 Sundown Sivan 5775 (24-25 May 2015) Shavuot I &II

In classical mythology, Maia is given to one of the group of stars of the constellation Pleiades. The near dawn rising of Pleiades in spring in the Northern Hemisphere, marked from ancient times the opening of sea faring and farming seasons.

In medieval and modern Europe, 1st May was a day of traditional springtime celebration which starts off with agricultural rituals. Such rites were intended to ensure fertility to the crops, cattle and human beings. Today 1st May or May Day is celebrated as the international Labour Day/Workers Day in most parts of the world. Mothers’ Day is observed on the 2nd Sunday of May internationally.