May is the month of Mary

For centuries the Catholic Church has dedicated the month of May to honor the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

Origins of tradition

The month of May seems to have had, since ancient times, a very strong link with the figure of the woman, and with all the symbolism that emerges from it. In the ancient Greece the custom of consecrating the month of May to Artemis, goddess of fertility or fertility was established. Something similar happened later in the time of the Roman Empire, because May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers, fruit trees and wine. In honor of this deity, precisely, the Games Florathe ‘floral games’, or Floral. While the parties lasted, the poets made up ‘songs’ dedicated to the goddess, in an attempt to make their favor and that the crops were abundant.

During the Middle Ages, similar customs remained, all are focused on the arrival of good weather and winter departure. May 1 was considered the day that marked the fullness of spring.

Before the 12th century, to the extent that the old pagan practices were giving to the expansion and roots of Christianity, the tradition of the tradition of the tradition of Thirty or “Devotion of thirty days to Mary”, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. These celebrations were held between August 15 and September 14.

The idea of ​​a month specifically dedicated to the Virgin Mary was configured a little later. This dates back to the baroque period (seventeenth century), although it was not always celebrated in May. The month dedicated to Mary included, yes, thirty spiritual exercises to be observed one per day, in honor of the Mother of God.

Little by little, the habit of celebrating the Mother of God was adopted during the month of May, so the figure of Mary and the beginning of spring were intertwined. Then, the habit that Mariana’s devotional practice would be maintained every day of the month. This extended and rooted in the Christian people in the later centuries and already for the nineteenth century, May had been completely identified with the Virgin, as until today.

Expressions

The ways in which Maria is honored during May are as varied as the people who wish to honor her.

It is common practice that in homes or parishes the Holy Rosary is picked up daily and that in many churches a special altar with an image of the Virgin is erected. In addition, the custom of crowning the different images or advocations of the Mother of God is very widespread. In many places, therefore, there is talk of the coronation of May.

Often, the crown is made of beautiful flowers that represent the beauty and virtue of Mary, which is also a reminder for the faithful, so that they strive to imitate their virtues. In many places this coronation implies a great celebration and, usually, is carried out outside the Mass.

The altars and coronations this month are not only privileges of the parish. In homes you can also fully participate in this tradition that is part of the life of the Church.

Guests to filial piety

As children of Mary we must give her the most special place, not because of the pure strength of the custom or for the special graces that we usually obtain from her, but because Maria is our mother and cares for all of us, interceding even in the smallest affairs, ensuring as a mother who is for our well -being, guiding us in the path of holiness and bringing her son to all hearts.

That is why he deserves a whole month in his honor.