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40 Interesting May Trivia Questions and Answers

By Stefanie·Updated Apr 2025·5 min read
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  1. 1What is the birthstone for May?

  2. 2Which two zodiac signs are associated with May?

  3. 3What is the birth flower for May?

  4. 4Which U.S. holiday is observed on the last Monday of May?

  5. 5What significant event does Cinco de Mayo commemorate?

  6. 6Which famous horse race is held annually on the first Saturday in May?

  7. 7What astronomical event is associated with May, peaking around May 6th?

  8. 8Which U.S. state was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848?

  9. 9What is the traditional dance performed around a decorated pole on May Day?

  10. 10Which U.S. President was born on May 29, 1917?

  11. 11What is the significance of May 1st in many countries?

  12. 12Which flower is traditionally associated with May Day celebrations?

  13. 13What major event in aviation history occurred on May 20-21, 1927?

  14. 14Which ancient Roman festival, held in May, honored the goddess of flowers?

  15. 15What is the meaning of the saying "April showers bring May flowers"?

  16. 16Which significant World War II event occurred on May 8, 1945?

  17. 17What major construction project was completed and opened to the public on May 1, 1931?

  18. 18Which U.S. President established Mother's Day as a national holiday in May?

  19. 19Which iconic bridge was opened on May 27, 1937?

  20. 20What is celebrated on May 4th in Star Wars fandom?

  21. 21Which international organization was founded on May 14, 1948?

  22. 22What significant event in mountaineering history occurred on May 29, 1953?

  23. 23Which U.S. state was admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858?

  24. 24What major event in the American space program happened on May 5, 1961?

  25. 25Which famous British Prime Minister was born on May 10, 1801?

  26. 26What significant event in the civil rights movement occurred on May 17, 1954?

  27. 27Which famous British author passed away on May 22, 1885?

  28. 28What major event in the history of computing happened on May 11, 1997?

  29. 29Which international observance is celebrated on May 15th?

  30. 30What is the historical significance of May 23, 1618, in European history?

  31. 31In Roman mythology, which goddess is the month of May named after?

  32. 32On May 5, 1821, which famous French military leader died in exile on the island of St. Helena?

  33. 33Which influential civil rights leader was born on May 19, 1925?

  34. 34On May 20, 1932, who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?

  35. 35What major invention was patented by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis on May 20, 1873?

  36. 36Which iconic annual fundraising event for fashion and the arts takes place on the first Monday of May in New York City?

  37. 37Which historic event, marking the completion of the first U.S. transcontinental railroad, took place at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869?

  38. 38On May 2, 2011, which notorious terrorist leader was killed by U.S. Special Operations Forces in Pakistan?

  39. 39What is the name of the full moon that occurs in May?

  40. 40Which famous European car race, known for its glamour and challenging street circuit, is held in Monte Carlo in May?

Answer Key

  1. 1. EmeraldEmerald, symbolizing rebirth and love, is the traditional birthstone for May.
  2. 2. Taurus and GeminiTaurus covers April 20 to May 20, and Gemini spans May 21 to June 20.
  3. 3. Lily of the ValleyThe Lily of the Valley represents sweetness and humility and is May's birth flower.
  4. 4. Memorial DayMemorial Day honors military personnel who have died in service to the United States.
  5. 5. The Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's unexpected victory against France on May 5, 1862.
  6. 6. The Kentucky DerbyKnown as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs.
  7. 7. The Eta Aquariids meteor showerThe Eta Aquariids, originating from Halley's Comet, are visible annually in early May.
  8. 8. WisconsinWisconsin became the 30th state on this date.
  9. 9. The Maypole danceThis folk dance involves dancers weaving ribbons around a pole, celebrating May 1st.
  10. 10. John F. KennedyThe 35th President of the United States was born on this day.
  11. 11. International Workers' Day (Labor Day)May 1st is recognized globally as a day honoring workers and labor movements.
  12. 12. Hawthorn (Mayflower)The hawthorn tree blooms in May and is linked to May Day festivities.
  13. 13. Charles Lindbergh's solo nonstop transatlantic flightLindbergh flew from New York to Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis.
  14. 14. FloraliaFloralia celebrated Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring.
  15. 15. April rains lead to May bloomsThis proverb suggests that the rainfall in April results in the blossoming of flowers in May.
  16. 16. Victory in Europe (V-E) DayOn May 8, 1945, the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.
  17. 17. The Empire State BuildingThe Empire State Building in New York City was officially opened on this day.
  18. 18. Woodrow WilsonIn 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
  19. 19. The Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic on May 27, 1937.
  20. 20. Star Wars DayFans celebrate "May the Fourth" as Star Wars Day, a pun on the phrase "May the Force be with you."
  21. 21. The State of IsraelThe State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948.
  22. 22. First successful ascent of Mount EverestSir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit.
  23. 23. MinnesotaMinnesota became the 32nd state of the United States on May 11, 1858.
  24. 24. Alan Shepard's suborbital flightAlan Shepard became the first American in space with a 15-minute suborbital flight aboard Freedom 7.
  25. 25. Sir John A. MacdonaldSir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, was born on this day.
  26. 26. Brown v. Board of Education decisionThe U.S. Supreme Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.
  27. 27. Victor HugoVictor Hugo, renowned for works like "Les Misérables," died on May 22, 1885.
  28. 28. IBM's Deep Blue defeated Garry KasparovIBM's Deep Blue became the first computer to defeat a world chess champion, Garry Kasparov.
  29. 29. International Day of FamiliesThe United Nations observes May 15th as a day highlighting the importance of families.
  30. 30. The Defenestration of PragueThe Defenestration of Prague marked the start of the Thirty Years' War, a major conflict in European history that began with Protestant nobles throwing Catholic officials out of a castle window in Prague.
  31. 31. Maia, the goddess of fertility and spring.
  32. 32. Napoleon Bonaparte.
  33. 33. Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little).
  34. 34. Amelia Earhart.
  35. 35. Blue jeans.
  36. 36. The Met Gala.
  37. 37. The driving of the "Golden Spike" to link the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railways.
  38. 38. Osama bin Laden.
  39. 39. The Flower Moon.
  40. 40. The Monaco Grand Prix.

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