Icon, Russian,
Virgin and Child Surrounded by Cherubim, c.1750, oil on canvas on panel, 7 x 5 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art.In the Catholic tradition, the entire month of May is a time of special devotion to the Virgin Mary. The origin of these Marian celebrations during this month is unclear, though there is record of it as early as the 13th century. These devotions of Mary may include pilgrimages, church worship, special attention to Mary in scripture and prayer, or a solemn procession at the end of the month.