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

May is generally named for Maia, one of the Pleiades in Greek myth, identified with the Roman fertility goddess Maia Maiestas, whose festival fell on ...

Q 02/05

In Ovid's etymology May honours the 'maiores'; what does that word mean?

A) Warriors

B) Elders

C) Farmers

D) Gods

Answer · why

B) Elders

Maiores means 'elders' or ancestors; in the Fasti, Ovid suggests May honours the maiores and June the iuniores, the young.

Q 03/05

How many days does May have?

A) 31

B) 30

C) 28

D) 29

Answer · why

A) 31

May always has 31 days, one of the seven 31-day months alongside January, March, July, August, October and December.

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

Lily of the valley is highly poisonous: every part of the plant contains toxins that can disrupt heart rhythm if eaten, despite its sweet scent.