The month begins with (also known as May Day), a holiday observed in over 80 countries. While its modern origins lie in the 19th-century struggle for an eight-hour workday, the date has much older roots in pagan festivals like the Gaelic Beltane . In many European cultures, May 1st is still celebrated with "Maypoles" and floral crowns, symbolizing the peak of spring and the fertility of the earth. Major Cultural and National Holidays

Observed in many European nations on May 8th and in Russia and other former Soviet republics on May 9th, this holiday marks the end of World War II in Europe. It is defined by massive military parades, floral tributes to fallen soldiers, and public reflection on peace.

In the United States, this solemn federal holiday honors military personnel who died while serving. It also serves as the unofficial start of the summer season , often marked by family barbecues and parades. May Day | Holiday, Meaning, History, & Origins - Britannica