The Month of May
in Honor of Mary

May has long been associated with new life and blossoming beauty, and for centuries the Church has dedicated this month to honoring Mary, the Mother of God. The practice of giving an entire month to Mary spans cultures and eras, forming one of the most tender and enduring devotions in Catholic life.

Historical Roots

The origins of dedicating May to a female figure of life and beauty reach back to ancient times.

  • In Ancient Greece, May was linked to Artemis, the goddess of fertility.

  • In Ancient Rome, it was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of blossoms, celebrated with festivals that welcomed the season of growth.

  • In medieval Europe, May 1 marked the symbolic end of winter and the beginning of new life, often accompanied by customs celebrating renewal.

Within Christian tradition, a more explicit devotion to Mary developed over time. During the Middle Ages, the Tricesimum, or “Thirty-Day Devotion to Mary,” emerged — a month‑long period of honoring Mary, though originally held from August 15 to September 14.

By the Baroque era, the idea of a dedicated “Mary Month” took clearer shape. Although not always in May, it involved thirty days of spiritual exercises in her honor. Eventually, these devotions were joined to the month of May, and by the 19th century, May was widely celebrated as Mary’s Month throughout the Catholic world.

Purpose of the Devotion

The Church sets aside May to draw the faithful closer to Mary’s virtues — her humility, purity, obedience, and maternal care. Honoring Mary in May is not merely a tradition but an invitation to imitate her openness to God and to seek her intercession with renewed love.

Ways Mary Is Sweetly Honored

Across cultures, the ways of honoring Mary in May are beautifully varied, yet all share a spirit of affection and reverence.

Common practices include:

  • Daily recitation of the Rosary, offered as a garland of spiritual flowers.

  • May altars, adorned with images or statues of Mary surrounded by blossoms.

  • May Crownings, where Mary is crowned with flowers symbolizing her beauty, virtue, and queenship.

These gestures — simple or elaborate — express the Church’s love for Mary and remind the faithful to strive for her virtues in their own lives.

Why Mary Deserves a Month

Mary is honored in May not only because of ancient custom or longstanding devotion, but because she is Mother — given to us by Christ, attentive to our needs, and constantly interceding for us. Her maternal care is steady and unfailing, and the Church responds with a month of gratitude, affection, and joyful homage. She deserves our love every day!