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May Factoid | Back To Main Factoid Page
We hope you enjoy this month's freshly gathered facts direct from the magnetic fields of Planet
Factoid!
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"May Factoids" — May 2000
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1. Where did the word "May" come from?
May was named in honor of the goddess Maia, daughter of Atlas and mother of Mercury.
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2. What is the birthstone for May?
The traditional birthstone for May is emerald. The name emerald derives from Greek meaning "green stone." Its color
varies from emerald green, light green, yellow green to dark green.
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Cinco de Mayo
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3. What is Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo means 5th of May and celebrates the victory over the
French at the Battle of Puebla. Though the French later defeated the Mexicans, the battle came to represent a symbol
of Mexican unity and patriotism.
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4. If it is a Mexican holiday, why do people in the U.S. celebrate it?
There are many people living in the U.S. that are of Mexican origin whether directly or as descendants.
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5. Can I celebrate it if I'm not Mexican?
Of course you can. I'm not Irish, but I celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Many people today celebrate certain holidays
that have significant meaning for people of certain ethnicities or beliefs and others simply partake in the
celebrations. St. Patrick's Day is an excellent example of this.
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Mother's Day
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6. When is Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 14th.
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7. What is Mother's Day?
It is a day set aside to honor our mothers. It became a national holiday in the U.S. in 1914 thanks to the urging
of Anna Jarvis. She greatly missed her mother who had passed away a few years prior. She regretted not appreciating
her more while she was still alive. She wanted Mother's Day to encourage all children to respect and appreciate
their mother's while they are still with us. Anna's mother's favorite flowers were carnations and were used at the
first Mother's Day observance. They have become a symbol of sweetness, purity and endurance of mother love.
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8. How can I celebrate it?
By doing something special for your mom, grandmother or any mother that you might know. — Flowers, cards or a
simple "Happy Mother's Day" all work nicely.
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9. Any ideas on what I should give my mom?
I think any mother would love anything at all that her child/children have taken the time to make or buy for her.
Think about things that your Mother likes or things that would make her day easier or memorable. Pick her some flowers,
or with Dad's help make her breakfast in bed.
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10. I'd like to make my Mom a homemade card. Have any ideas on how I should start?
If you'd like to make your mother a lovely Mother's Day card, visit our
KidSpace Crafts.
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