May Day was a traditional summer holiday in many pre-Christian European pagan cultures. While February 1 was the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer; hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was Midsummer. In the Roman Catholic tradition, May is observed as Mary's month, and in these circles May Day is usually a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It was popular since the late 20th century to give "May baskets," small baskets of sweets and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors' doorsteps.

The feast is celebrated on the 40th day after Pascha, commemorating the Ascension of Christ into Heaven and His completion of the work for our redemption. The Feast is a Holy Day of Obligation.

Saint John the Apostle, also called Saint John the Evangelist, the author of three letters, the Fourth Gospel, and the Revelation to John in the New Testament. He played a leading role in the early church at Jerusalem. John was the son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman, and Salome. John and his brother James were among the first disciples called by Jesus. Out of humility, not calling himself by name but nevertheless speaking of himself in the Gospel, he refers to himself as the disciple "whom Jesus loved." The Lord showed this love of him when He was on the cross—He entrusted His Most Holy Mother to him saying: "Behold thy mother."