Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A date on the Gregorian calendar: Specifically, the twenty-fourth day of the month of May.
   • A British holiday: The anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria (24 May 1819), formerly officially celebrated in the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Empire.

Usage and Examples

• As a calendar date:

  • The meeting is scheduled for May 24.
  • Her birthday is May 24.

• As a historical and cultural reference (British context):

  • In Canada, May 24 was long known as Victoria Day, a public holiday.
  • Schools were closed for May 24 to commemorate the former queen's birthday.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "May 24 weekend": In Canada, this refers to the long weekend associated with Victoria Day, which is observed on the Monday preceding May 25. It is traditionally seen as the beginning of the summer season.

  • We open the cottage for the May 24 weekend.

• Historical Context: The celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday on this date was a significant imperial holiday. While it is no longer officially celebrated under that name in the UK, its legacy continues in some Commonwealth realms.

Variants and Related Terms

• Victoria Day: The official name for the Canadian public holiday that commemorates Queen Victoria's birthday, observed on the Monday before May 25.
• Empire Day: A former patriotic holiday in the British Empire, originally celebrated on May 24, which later evolved into Commonwealth Day.

Synonyms and Related Phrases

• Victoria's Birthday: A direct synonym when referring to the historical anniversary.
• The Queen's Birthday: A more general term; note that the official birthday of the current British monarch is celebrated on a different date.

Cultural and Idiomatic References

• "Fire up the barbecue for May 24": A common Canadian cultural reference indicating the traditional start of summer and outdoor activities.
• "May Two-Four": A Canadian colloquial term for the Victoria Day weekend, with "two-four" being a pun on the date (24th) and a slang term for a case of 24 beers, reflecting the holiday's festive nature.

Noun

1. British, anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth