Imperial Holy Calendar: Maius (May)

Maius is a month of fortitude and endurance, dedicated to the Emperor’s warriors, laborers, and the Imperium’s unyielding spirit. It emphasizes perseverance in the face of adversity, with celebrations for saints who embody resilience and ceremonies to prepare for trials ahead.

1st Day:

Sacramentum Maii (Oath of May)

  • A day for the faithful to renew their vows of loyalty to the Emperor. Across the Imperium, citizens and soldiers take oaths to serve, fight, and labor for the glory of humanity. This is marked by mass blessings led by Ecclesiarchy priests.

3rd Day:

Dies Finalis Florales (End of Saint Flora’s Festival)

  • The conclusion of the Ludi Florales, where artificial gardens in hive cities are ceremonially purified, and real flowers on agri-worlds are offered to shrines. The faithful pray for the continuation of the Emperor’s blessings in the new season.

9th, 11th, and 13th Days:

Lemuria Martyrum (Festival of the Fallen)

  • A series of days to honor the souls of martyred saints and soldiers. Candles and incenses are lit, prayers are offered, and sermons recount the sacrifices of those who died for the Imperium. On hive and forge worlds, workers commemorate fallen comrades with silence and offerings.

14th Day:

Dies Mars Invictus (Day of Mars the Unconquered)

  • Celebrates the Emperor’s indomitable will and the strength of His armies. Military parades are held on fortress worlds, and the Adeptus Mechanicus honors the day with rites of consecration for war machines and voidships.

15th Day:

Mercuralia Sacra (Day of the Fleet)

  • Dedicated to the crews of the Imperial Navy, this day sees the blessing of voidships and the consecration of warp navigators. Voidfarers light votive plasma torches and pray for safe passage under the Emperor’s guiding light.

21st Day:

Agonalia Vediovisi (Day of the Hidden Saint)

  • Honors Saint Vediovis, a martyr known for defending a shrine world from unseen threats. This day emphasizes vigilance against heresy, xenos infiltration, and corruption. The faithful bring light in dark places to symbolize the Emperor’s light uncovering all shadows.

23rd Day:

Tubilustrium Sanctum (Purification of Trumpets)

  • The second purification ritual of the year, dedicated to the sanctification of instruments used in Imperial warfare, such as vox-casters, artillery signals, and warhorns. It represents clarity and unity in the Emperor’s command.

24th Day:

Dies Victoriae (Day of Victory)

  • A celebration of the Emperor’s victories over xenos and heretics. Veterans recount tales of conquest, and priests offer sermons on the righteousness of Imperial crusades. On this day, commanders renew their vows to uphold the Emperor’s divine mandate.

27th–30th Days:

Ambarvalia Sancta (Purification of the Production)

  • A festival primarily observed on agri-worlds, where fields are blessed for purity and fertility. Citizens walk the borders of cities and lands, chanting prayers to keep corruption and warp taint at bay. In hive cities, similar rituals are performed in manufactorums.

Significance of Maius

Maius is a month of perseverance, faith, and vigilance. It celebrates the enduring spirit of humanity in service to the Emperor, reminding the faithful that victory comes through resilience and unity. From the fields of agri-worlds to the void of the stars, Maius strengthens the Imperium’s resolve to face the trials of the galaxy.