Here are the May holidays that change their observation date:
- Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and many other countries around the world. It is a day to honor and celebrate mothers and motherhood.
- Armed Forces Day: Third Saturday of May
Armed Forces Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States and some other countries to honor the men and women who serve in the armed forces. It is observed on the third Saturday of May.
- Ascension Thursday: Forty days after Easter
Ascension Thursday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. It is observed on the Thursday 40 days after Easter.
- Pentecost: Seventh Sunday after Easter
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles 50 days after Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It is observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter.
- Whit Monday: Monday following Pentecost
Whit Monday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is observed on the Monday following Pentecost.
- Wesak Day: Full Moon of May
Wesak Day is a Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is observed on the full moon of May.
- Eid al-Fitr: First day of Shawwal
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is observed on the first day of the month of Shawwal.
- Victory Day: May 9th
Victory Day is a Russian public holiday celebrating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is observed on May 9th.
- Liberation Day: May 5th
Liberation Day is a Dutch public holiday celebrating the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in World War II. It is observed on May 5th.
These days usually remain fixed in the Gregorian calendar, however due to the occurrence of the moon phases, it varies from year to year. The date of the full moon of May is determined by the Saros cycle, a recurring pattern of lunar eclipses. The full moon of May can occur between May 12 and May 22, depending on the year.
