The beautiful month of May is named after the Roman goddess Maia who oversaw the growth of plants. That seems very appropriate since in the natural world both wild and cultivated flowers are blooming, while birds are singing, swooping and nesting. The green mists in the forests have leafed out and the rich aroma of sun-warmed pine paths reinvigorate the senses. The full moon in May, the month otherwise filled with exuberant observances, holidays and events, is called a Flower Moon.
The first is May Day, with origins in ancient European culture, arriving midway between spring equinox and summer solstice. More recently it is a celebration of workers and a commemoration of the struggles of the Labor Movement. May 4 is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be with You). May 5 is celebrated in both the United States and Mexico as Cinco de Mayo (The Fifth of May). While originally commemorating the victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire at the First Battle of Puebla in 1862, it has since become a celebration of Mexican culture on both sides of the border.
May 11 is both Twilight Zone Day and Eat What You Want Day. May 12 is Mother’s Day, though this year it shares the date with International Nurses Day and National Nutty Fudge Day. More solemn observances include Armed Forces Day on May 18, where we pay tribute to those currently serving in the U.S. military. May 27 is Memorial Day where we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in battle.
This year I’m celebrating hope for a kinder, gentler world. Beets are a superfood to help energize your own spring renewal
Piquant Beets
4 medium beets
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon vinegar
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon grated onion
2 Tablespoons butter
dash of ground nutmeg
Cook the beets until tender, 25–35 minutes for medium beets or 45–60 minutes for large beets. Immediately run cold water over them and slip off the skins. Chop or cube into small pieces.
Cook the sauce ingredients together for 5–8 minutes over low heat. Place beets in a serving dish and pour the sauce over them. Serves six as a side dish.