May 2012
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Download Annual Calendar (PDF)
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May 1
May Day
May Day is a celebration of Spring, a day of political protest, a neopagan festival, and a saint’s feast day. In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organized by the unions and socialist groups to recognize the achievements of workers.
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May 4
National Teacher's Day
National Teacher Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week in May each year. Although a non-official holiday in the United States, it is a national holiday in some countries. The National Education Association (NEA) describes National Teacher Day as "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."
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May 5
Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's surprise victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Celebrations of Mexican heritage and pride take place in the United States and other locations around the world.
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May 9
Mother's Day
Mother's Day, observed on the second Sunday of each May, is a holiday that recognizes motherhood in general and the positive contributions of mothers to society. In its present form, Mother's Day was established by Anna Marie Jarvis, following the death of her mother on May 9, 1905; she campaigned to establish Mother's Day as a U.S. national, and later an international, holiday.
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May 15
Armed Forces Day
Observed on the third Saturday in May, this day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the military services, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
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May 18
Shavuot (Jewish)
One of three Pilgrim Festivals in the Jewish calendar, Shavout is observed on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (late May or early June). It's recognizes the anniversary of the day when God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai.
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May 24
Victoria Day
Victoria Day is a public holiday observed across Canada on the Monday before May 25th. Victoria Day celebrates the Sovereign's birthday (Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head).
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May 27
Buddha Day (Buddhist)
The most important of Buddhist festivals, Buddha Day celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his birth and death. On this day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions.
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May 31
Memorial Day
A United States federal holiday, Memorial Day honors United States men and women who died in military service. Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries, memorials, remembrance events or hanging the American flag at half-mast until noon to remember family members.
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