Amid AP testing, our school held a May Crowning Mass on May 6th. May Crowning, celebrated on either the 1st Saturday of May or around Mother’s Day, is a celebration recognizing Mary as the Queen of Heaven. People bring her flowers, and she is crowned with a wreath of flowers as well.

The tradition stems from old Roman Catholicism. The month of May has been dedicated to Mary since medieval times, “when May was considered the end of winter and the start of a new season of growth. It’s a time for new beginnings and the chance to begin with gratitude and devotion,” (Verso Ministries). She is honored as the queen of Heaven for 1. being the mother of Jesus, 2. being a perfect follower of Christ, and 3. being the most important woman in Catholicism.

During the ceremony, a group of young girls line up to place flowers around Mary. Then, one of them will place the flower crown on Mary’s head. The flowers represent compassion, kindness, and obedience. Many 8th graders remember this event specifically, as in most traditional Catholic grade schools, 8th-grade girls lead this procession.

May Crowning can be celebrated in many different ways. One of the most notable traditions is using the hymn “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” as the procession begins. “Everyone prays the Rosary as part of the service and sings the traditional songs and hymns, including Immaculate Mary, Bring Flowers of the Rarest, and O Mary, We Crown Thee. They pray other Marian prayers, including the Hail, Holy Queen, and listen to a homily,” (National Catholic Register). The ceremony can be held in churches, schools, and even homes.

The importance of May Crowning being so close to Mother’s Day is certainly worth noting. Mary is the perfect Mother, and is available to support and love all of us through prayer. May Crowning can symbolize Mary’s role as a spiritual mother and intercessor.

Though our May Crowning celebration has now come and gone, many churches still have their presentations up, with Mary sporting her crown of flowers. The month of May is a perfect time to reflect on Mary’s importance to our faith, and our own mothers’ demonstrations of Mary’s love.