Honour Mary this month with a May Crowning: A simple ceremony that draws our hearts and homes closer to our Blessed Mother.
What is a May Crowning?
A May Crowning is a devotional ceremony where a statue or image of Mary is crowned with flowers. It is often accompanied by prayers, hymns, and offerings from children.
The tradition echoes a heavenly reality: Mary, crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth. When we crown Mary in our homes, we recognise this reality and invite her to take her place in our domestic church.
The ceremony is a visual and heartfelt way of expressing our love for Mary. One that can be anticipated and repeated every year in May.
Why May?
In the Catholic Church, May is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady. In many parts of the world, schools, parishes, and homes will celebrate May Crownings in her honour.
This tradition doesn’t need to be grand or formal. A humble offering made with love is just as beautiful!
How to celebrate a May Crowning at home
Here are some simple steps to conduct a May Crowning in your home:
- Choose a statue or image of Mary
Select a statue or image of Mary that you can use for the May Crowning. Put it in a prominent place: either on a home altar or a small table with a cloth. - Create a crown of flowers
Real or fake flowers both work beautifully for a flower crown. Let the children help with its creation! It is a lovely way to engage their hands and hearts. (Below you will find instructions for how to make a crown). - Pray together
Gather together as a family, light a candle and recite the Rosary (or simply a decade). Follow this with a Marian hymn. (Immaculate Mary or Hail Holy Queen are both great options.) Young voices delight Our Lady! - Crown Mary
Place Mary’s crown on her head – this can be a solemn or joyful moment. Often a child places the crown while the family sings or prays. You can then offer your own intentions, entrusting your home, your children, and your worries to Mary’s care. - Keep the crowned statue on display
Leave the crowned statue in a place of prominence throughout May as a reminder of Mary’s presence and intercession in your home.
How to make a crown for Mary
Materials
- Statue of Mary
- Ribbon or twine
- Artificial flowers (appropriate size for your statue)
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions
- Wrap the ribbon (for a larger statue) or twine (for a smaller statue) once around the statue’s head and tie a knot at the back. Remove it from the statue and cut the excess ribbon or twine.
- Trim back the artificial flower stems. With a hot glue gun, glue the flowers onto the ribbon or twine. Allow to dry.
Teaching children to love Mary
May Crownings are especially powerful for children. The tangible beauty of flowers, the joy of singing, and the honour of crowning Our Lady all help to cultivate a natural love for Mary.
By honouring the Blessed Mother in our own lives, our children will begin to learn that Mary is not a distant figure, but a loving mother and queen who is with us every day.
So, light a candle, gather a few blooms, and make space for this small but sacred tradition this May. The Queen of Heaven waits to be welcomed into your home!
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