Named for Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility, May is a month of flowers and celebrations.

Here are 10 interesting facts about May:

1. There are two birth flowers for May: the Hawthorn and the Lily-of-the-Valley. The hawthorn represents hope, while the lily-of-the-valley symbolizes sweetness or the return of happiness.

2. The month’s birthstone is the emerald, a stone that represents love and success.

3. People born between May 1 and May 20 fall under the sign of Taurus, and those born later in the month fall under Gemini. People born under Taurus are considered to be intelligent and dependable, while those born under Gemini are known to be whimsical and adaptable.

4. May 4 is celebrated as Star Wars Day, a play of words on the popular line, “May the Force be with you.”

5. Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862) during the Franco-Mexican War. In the United States, this date has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.

6. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month in over 100 countries worldwide.

7. On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart flew across the Atlantic Ocean, marking the first solo flight by a woman.

8. Famous people born in May include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (May 2), Audrey Hepburn (May 4), Adele (May 5), George Clooney (May 6), Queen Victoria (May 24), and Bob Hope (May 29).

9. May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month, Better Speech and Hearing Month, National Clean Air Month, Brain Cancer Awareness Month, Be Kind to Animals Month, National Salad Day, and No Mow May.

10. The global phenomenon Eurovision occurs during May. Held each year since 1956, this international song contest has launched the careers of several musical megastars, including Celine Dion and ABBA. Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy.