Q 01/05

The month of May is generally thought to be named after which Greek goddess?

A) Maia

B) Hera

C) Juno

D) Flora

Answer · why

A) Maia

She was one of the Pleiades and mother of Hermes, and was identified with a Roman fertility goddess whose festival fell in May.

Q 02/05

Ovid said May honours the 'maiores'. What does that word mean?

A) Warriors

B) Elders

C) Farmers

D) Gods

Answer · why

B) Elders

By his logic June is named for the iuniores, the young people.

Q 03/05

How many days does May have?

A) 31

B) 30

C) 28

D) 29

Answer · why

A) 31

It is one of the seven long months and always has the same length.

Q 04/05

May's birthstone is which green gem?

A) Sapphire

B) Peridot

C) Emerald

D) Amethyst

Answer · why

C) Emerald

It is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured green by traces of chromium or vanadium.

Q 05/05

One of May's birth flowers, the lily of the valley, is notable for being what?

A) Blue in colour

B) Fully edible

C) Odourless

D) Highly poisonous

Answer · why

D) Highly poisonous

Its cardiac glycosides make it dangerous to eat; other names for it include May bells and Our Lady's tears.