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Things to Celebrate All Through May
Asian American History, Bees, and the Free Press
Sometimes May can be a bit of a slog to get through. You're still faced with springtime rains, and though the days are longer, it still doesn't quite feel like summer. Though there's a federal holiday in the United States, you have to make it through almost the entire month before that comes around! Plus, nothing really calls for a big family gathering or for you to throw a house party like the summer months do!
However, there's probably more to celebrate in May than you think. Here are some holidays throughout the month that are worth recognizing!
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (United States): This is celebrated for the duration of May and is observed in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander contributions to the United States history and culture. Though legislation was first proposed back in the 1970s to honor the influence of AAPI peoples, it wasn't until President Obama signed a resolution in May 2009 that it became federally acknowledged. May was chosen since the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States on May 7, and the Transcontinental Railroad—which utilized the labor of some 11 thousand Chinese immigrants—was completed May 10.
- World Press Freedom Day: The United Nations declared May 3 a day to recognize the importance of the free press and to remind governments around the world that the right to freedom of expression is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (The editing team here at HubPages would like to thank you for all your efforts to create articles that can be consumed by anyone across the world and that are of high quality and factually correct!)
- World Bee Day: Did you know that upwards of 90% of flowering plants depend, at least in part, on pollinators? That's why May 20 is designated as World Bee Day—in an effort to raise awareness of their importance in sustainable development and the threats they face.
Those are just a few celebrations that happen throughout May. Mexico celebrates its 1862 victory over France with Cinco de Mayo (May 5); the European Union celebrates peace and unity across the continent with Europe Day (May 9); and the United States, Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, and several other countries celebrate Mother's Day (dates may vary).
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