Why May?

“O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels,
Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee
with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels,
Queen of the May.”

This refrain, from the traditional May crowing hymn “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” rings out while usually young girls in dresses place a crown of flowers on the head of a statue of the Blessed Mother. This is one of the ceremonies, devotions and prayers that honor Mary as the mother of Jesus during the month of May.

 “Why May?” you may ask.

Many believe May was chosen because it is the height of spring. Flowers are blooming and trees are filling their branches with leaves. 

This new beginning and new birth in nature reminds Catholics of the life Mary gave to Jesus. Without Mary giving birth to Jesus, all the events that followed: Jesus’ life, death and resurrection wouldn’t have happened. So, it’s an ideal time to honor the woman who gave life to our savior.

Some also point to an ancient connection.

Ancient Rome and Greece dedicated the month of May to pagan goddesses connected to springtime and fertility, most especially Flora and Artemus, respectively.

European customs also had rituals welcoming spring, which shaped the Western view of May as a month of life and motherhood. Hallmark cards weren’t even thought of then.

Catholic Encyclopedia states, “In some manuscripts of the ‘Transitus Mariae,’ which dates from the late fifth century, three annual Marian feasts are noted, including one on “the 15th day of Iyar, corresponding more or less to May. ...  Still later in date (seventeenth century at earliest) is the adoption of the custom of consecrating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin by special observances.”

The practice became popular among the Jesuits. By 1700 it took hold among their students at the Roman College and later was publicly practiced in the Gesu Church in Rome. Next, it spread to the whole church.

The May devotions also were enlivened by the four authenticated apparitions of the Blessed Mother.

In 1830, Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure and instructed her to have the Miraculous Medal struck with the inscription, “Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 

In 1846, she appeared to the children of La Salette, France and tearfully lamented the lax practice of the faith. 

In 1858, she appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, identifying herself as the “Immaculate Conception.” 

When she appeared to the three children at Fatima May 13, 1917, she instructed the people to pray the rosary daily for peace.

Popes down through the ages have had strong Marian connections.

Pope Pius XII reinforced May as a Marian month by instituting the feast of the Queenship of Mary on May 31 as part of the Marian Year he proclaimed in 1945. Since then, the Queenship of Mary has been moved to Aug. 22. May 31 is now the feast of the Visitation of Mary.  

Pope Paul VI wrote in his apostolic letter, “Creed of the People of God: “We believe that the holy mother of God, the new Eve, mother of the church, continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ.”  

Since May seems an appropriate time to honor motherhood, the Blessed Mother’s as well as our deceased and living mothers, give a spiritual bouquet to Mary. And don’t forget to make that special breakfast for, give those flowers or cards to, or share the memory of your own mom.