May is the fifth month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It has 31 days
. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is a spring month, marking the transition from spring to early summer with longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, May is an autumn month, with cooler temperatures and colorful leaves
. The name "May" likely originates from Maia, a Greek goddess associated with growth, who was identified with the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea. Another theory suggests the name comes from the Latin word maiores meaning "elders," contrasting with June, named for iuniores or "young people"
. Historically, May was originally the third month in the early Roman calendar but became the fifth month after calendar reforms shifted the start of the year to January 1 in 153 BCE
. May's birthstone is the emerald, symbolizing love and success, and its birth flowers include the lily of the valley and the common hawthorn (mayflower)
