May Ray Day

On May 19th, step out of your offices and homes and soak in the Sun's rays because it is May Ray Day. Although the origin of May Ray Day is unknown, May Ray Day encourages people to enjoy some great time under the Sun.

There is a saying that “April rain brings May flowers” that speaks to the natural change of seasons and how wonderful the spring rains are. Each year, this turn of the page brings with it the awakening rains of early spring, and then the pleasant warmth and strong scent of May blooming in the flowers. Unless you're in New York, which sometimes decides that May is a perfectly acceptable month for snow, but that's another matter. May Ray Day celebrates this transition of seasons and encourages you to get out and enjoy it!

History of May Ray Day

The origin of May Ray Day is thanks to comedian Richard Ankli, who decided to honor his brother Ray, who was born on the same day. In 1977, the Broadway Fun Spot, also known for a Broadway residence in St. Joseph, Michigan, decided to celebrate May Ray Day by making it an official holiday. Richard Ankli is also the founder of Welcome Giving Day (held in November).

Although May Ray Day has many associations, the general idea remains the same - get out there and soak up the sunshine. It is a chance to catch the last breath of spring with the gentle rays of sunshine before summer; the moment when nature puts its best foot forward.

Historically, May has had many cultural connotations and connotations. For people in agrarian societies, it marks the beginning of sowing or reaping, depending on their hemisphere as May is the last month of spring or the last month of autumn.

The ancient Greeks certainly took spring very seriously by celebrating the Greek god Dionysus (also known as Bacchus in Roman legend) - the god of grape harvest, wine, fertility, rebirth, flora, amusement and theater. Furthermore, May also has its roots in Greek mythology, as it is named after Maia, one of the seven Pleiades (a constellation that sparkles in the clear night sky).

For literary buffs, you may have heard it said that “March winds and April showers bring May flowers,” which couldn't be more accurate. When we think of spring, we think of fertility, growth, and all-around joy. All in all, the holiday please becomes a vacation of enjoyment.

Some interesting truths you may not know

• Names of mixed origin

May has derived from Maia, the goddess of plant growth; or the Latin word 'maiores', meaning 'older person'.

• May has its own moon

The full moon of May is called the Flower Moon and will be evident on May 26 of this year.

• Emerald is the birthstone of May

Emerald symbolizes rebirth and fertility - go figure!

• May has two flowers born

Hawthorn and lily of the valley is the symbol of hope and the return of happiness.

• Get married in May, at your own peril

May was once considered an unlucky marriage month, as one poem reads - "Get married in May and you'll come."

Some reasons for May Ray Day being loved

• Every culture has found one or some reasons for celebration

Some countries celebrate harvest festivals, while others revel in the excitement of spring by holding festivals that express freedom. It is also the time for the celebration of music festivals.

• Change is in the air

Whether you're in the Northern Hemisphere, starting summer, or the Southern Hemisphere, preparing for fall, May is a turning point around the world. So you have a reason to update your wardrobe, try something new and express yourself as freely as naturally.

• Rays get a day of appreciation

This is not to say that only people with the name Ray are appreciated. Expand the scope a bit, and ask yourself who is that special "sunshine" in your life? Then go ahead and show them some love and spread cheers.

How to celebrate May Ray Day

• Go for a walk

It is simple in order to make all the difference to your mood. Put on some sunscreen, grab those Ray-Bans and soak up some Vitamin D. Take a picnic with it, if you're feeling more upbeat.

• Down and dirty

Literally, put on those gardening gloves, take out your rusty tools and plant something to celebrate life, growth, and rebirth. Green fingers or not, you can give back to Earth this way.

• Party with a ray of light

Whether you want to listen to the smooth tunes of Ray Charles while you're out enjoying the sun or get stuck in Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," there's Ray for everyone. Just make sure you enjoy your favorite Ray photo in the sun and don't forget to hashtag your relevant selfies with #NationalMayRayDay.