Surprisingly, there’s a lot we don’t know? A quiz to learn trivia about May!

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

When you hear “May,” what comes to mind?

There are all kinds of events, like Golden Week and Mother’s Day.

It’s also a warm, comfortable time of year when hay fever finally starts to subside, making it perfect for outings and various leisure activities!

In fact, there are quite a few little-known facts about May that many people aren’t aware of.

This time, we’ll introduce a variety of trivia about May in quiz format—from things everyone knows to tidbits you’ll likely learn for the first time in this article!

Be sure to give it a try.

Surprisingly, there’s a lot we don’t know? A quiz to learn trivia about May! (11–20)

How many national holidays are there during Golden Week?

two
four
six

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four

Golden Week includes the following four national holidays: Showa Day on April 29, Constitution Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Children’s Day on May 5.

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Hoshino Takashi

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What is the other of the two May solar terms besides Rikka (the Start of Summer)?

Lesser Fullness
Great Heat
White Dew

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Lesser Fullness

The 24 solar terms divide the year into 24 parts and represent seasonal changes. The term that follows Rikka (Beginning of Summer) is Shōman (Lesser Fullness of Grain), which signifies a time when all things are growing.

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Hoshino Takashi

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What is the origin of the English name for May, “May”?

From the Roman goddess Maia
From the Greek poet 'Homer'
From “Magna,” which means “big” in Latin

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From the Roman goddess Maia

The English name for May comes from Maia, the Roman goddess of spring’s arrival and growth. Maia, also known as an earth mother, reflects the ancient Romans’ reverence for nature and abundance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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What holiday is on May 4?

National Foundation Day
Shōwa Day
Greenery Day

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Greenery Day

May 4 is Greenery Day. This day was established in 1996 as a day to appreciate nature. Since 2007, it has also fallen in the middle of Golden Week and taken on the character of a national holiday. The purpose of the day is to love nature and cultivate a rich spirit.

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Hoshino Takashi

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What is the reason why one should avoid the “one-night display,” which is putting up Boys’ Festival dolls on May 4?

Because decorating it at night attracts spirits.
Because it evokes funerals and is considered bad luck
Because I don't have enough time for decorations

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Because it evokes funerals and is considered bad luck

The custom of displaying May dolls on May 4, known as “one-night decoration,” refers to putting them up right before Children’s Day on May 5. However, this practice is considered best avoided. The reason is that one-night decorations are also sometimes done for funerals at night, which can evoke that association and be seen as inauspicious. Since Children’s Day carries wishes for the household’s health and children’s growth, actions that suggest ill omen are to be avoided.

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Hoshino Takashi

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What symptoms does “gogatsubyo” (May sickness) refer to?

Decline in vitality and loss of motivation
Seasonal allergy symptoms, including hay fever
I get excited when the weather is comfortable.

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Decline in vitality and loss of motivation

"May sickness" (gogatsubyo) is a term that refers to a decline in motivation and loss of drive that is said to occur mainly around May, about one month after new lives start in April. It is characterized by psychological symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, and feelings of depression caused by stress from adapting to a new environment and building new relationships.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Surprising how much we don’t know? A quiz to learn trivia about May! (21–30)

What is the alternative name for the full moon in May?

Strawberry Moon
Flower Moon
Corn Moon

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Flower Moon

Each month's full moon has a different name, and the full moon in May is called the Flower Moon. It was named this because May is the season when many flowers are in full bloom. Why not take a moment to gaze at the moon on the night of the full moon, while feeling the vibrant presence of the grasses and flowers?

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SAKI

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