International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness Day, which falls on May 12 annually, sets out to educate and create awareness around a particular disease that is still relatively new and misunderstood. One of the main goals of this day is educating healthcare professionals, which is critical to ensuring that healthcare providers are prepared to diagnose and treat people with chronic fatigue syndrome (C.F.S) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.). The international awareness day was inspired by the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, who was born on May 12 and suffered an illness similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Yom HaAtzmaut
This year, Yom Ha’atzmaut will be celebrated from April 21 to 22. Also known as Israel’s Independence Day, the date falls either in late April or early May in accordance with the 5th day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar. The date is modified by a day if the date of 5th Iyar falls too close to the Jewish Sabbath. Since days start in the evening as per the Hebrew calendar, Yom Ha’atzmaut straddles two days. There was a lot of opposition that met the Israeli’s push to have their own homeland in Palestine but they did not relent in their quest hence Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Calan Mai
Calan Mai, also known as Calan Haf, is the annual celebration of the first day of summer in Welsh tradition, which is held —as hinted at by the name— on the first day of May. This is a significant day for celebration and festivities in Wales, as several superstitions and rituals dating back to druidic times are still maintained to this day. May Eve celebrations begin with bonfires. The night before (Welsh: Nos Galan Haf) is regarded as a ‘Ysbrydnos’ or “spirit night,” when spirits are out and about, making divination possible. Until the middle of the 19 Century, South Wales had the annual practice of setting bonfires to commemorate this anniversary. Calan Mai is similar to Beltane and other May Day celebrations in Europe.