ODE TO THE MONTH OF MAY

Unquestionably one of the most beautiful months of the year for those of us living north of the equator, May was named for Maia, the Roman Goddess of Spring and Growth. Originally the first month of the year, May found itself moved back to fifth place in the calendar lineup when the ancient Romans decided to bestow the title of New Year's Day on January 1st.

While May hosts a variety of well-known holidays, including Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and the recently celebrated Kentucky Derby Day, the month also owns some less celebrated observances, including Oak Apple Day on May 29th and Arbor Tree Day on the last Sunday in May. Lewis & Clark began their famous expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean on May 14, 1804. Amelia Earhart took off on the first solo flight by a woman across the Atlantic Ocean on May 20, 1932, and the Brooklyn Bridge was opened to traffic on May 24, 1883.

May also has its fair share of superstitions. In early days, young girls would rush out into the garden on the first of the month to begin May Day celebrations by washing their faces with the May dew. This was supposed to guarantee them a beautiful complexion all year round. May was also considered an unlucky month for getting married - "Marry in May and you'll rue the day."

May is also National Hamburger Month; National Barbecue Month; National Peace of Mind Month; National Egg Month; National Strawberry Month; National Asparagus Month; and National Salsa Month. May 1st is National Chocolate Parfait Day; May 3 is National Chocolate Custard Day; and May 12 is National Nutty Fudge Day! And like any other day of the year, it's also a wonderful time to toast the Merry Month of May with your favorite coffee from One Cup Connection! Please feel free to add to our celebration of May by telling us other fun facts or light-hearted trivia you know about this wonderful month. We also invite you to share your favorite Chocolate Parfait or Custard recipes!