Chapter 230505: Flambé’s latest Misadventure ………………. May’s Full “Flower” Moon

“The Full Moon of May brings bright brushes to paint the Earth canvas with infinite flowers. In the Full Moon light of this month, the flowers are said to grow at night, and even dance in honor of the moon.”

Kat and an entire family of hares …….

May’s Full “Flower” Moon. May 5, 2023

….. Kat and an entire family of hares are doing their happy dance celebrating the arrival of Spring. After such a long Winter, the drab brown landscape seemed to change overnight into a coat of party colors. With the bright greens of newly emerging leaves competing excitedly with the yellows, whites, pinks and blues of freshly budded flowers, it’s no wonder everyone is dancing. Flambé is convinced the May Full “Flower” Moon is responsible for this magical transition! What else could it be? Surely the brilliant golden glow of the Full Moon has contributed to the (literally) overnight abundance of such an unbelievable amount of new plant growth.

What do you think? Are you experiencing Spring magic where you live? 

So dust off your party shoes and dance with wild abandon during the rising of the May Full “Flower” Moon! Afterall, as Oscar Wilde said, “With freedom, …. flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?”

While you contemplate the need for a dance partner, check out some cool stuff about the May Full “Flower” Moon

The May Full Moon happens to happen smack dab in the middle of the day on May 5th, so witnessing the exact moment of fullness will not be possible. But not to fret. There will certainly be enough of the Full “Flower” Moon visible three nights in a row …… May 4th, 5th and 6th.  So short of three back-to-back cloudy nights, you have no excuse not to catch the moonrise at least one of those nights! And if your luck holds, let me know if you see the flowers on the face of the moon! 

Why is May’s Full Moon Called the “Flower” Moon?

May’s Full Moon coincides with the arrival of Spring (in the Northern Hemisphere, that is) and all that Spring brings. “Flower Moon,”  a name attributed to the Algonquin peoples, is the most commonly used name for this month’s Full Moon.  But in searching deeper for more names and meanings, “Month of Flowers Moon” and “Budding Moon” frequently popped up!  Use of these three names makes perfect sense. It is, after all, the time of year flowers spring forth in abundance all across North America.

Alternate May Full Moon Names 

As with all Full Moons, Native Americans called the May Full Moon by various names. Signifying the welcome arrival of Spring, some names specifically celebrated plant growth and flowers blooming, while others referred to animal activities that take place this time of year.  

“Budding Moon” and “Leaf Budding Moon” were commonly used by the Cree, who also named the May Full Moon the “Egg Laying Moon” and “Frog Moon.” The Dakota and Lakota called May’s Full Moon, “Planting Moon” to mark the time when seeds are planted.  The Oglala Full Moon name was “Shedding Ponies.”

The May Full Moon has also been called “Hare Moon” and “Milk Moon;” the origin and meanings of these names is a mystery!

Did You Know …….

A penumbral eclipse of the Moon will occur during this Full “Flower” Moon.  A penumbral eclipse is when the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow (which is known as the penumbra).  It won’t be a complete eclipse of the Moon, but is one of two lunar penumbral eclipses this year.  If you’re hoping to see the eclipse that will occur May 5-6, better hop a plane for a southern hemisphere destination.  Otherwise, it’s just cool to know the Full Moon’s brilliant glow will be somewhat dimmer as it circles Earth.

Oh and did you also know ….. a solar eclipse always occurs within two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse? Now that’s extra cool!  The solar eclipse associated with the May 5/6 lunar eclipse happened on April 20th.  Like this lunar eclipse, the solar eclipse was only visible in the southern hemisphere. (The next solar eclipse will be October 14 – visible in North America; it’s partnered lunar eclipse will be October 28/29 – visible along the eastern coast of North America.)

Until next month and our next Full Moon, don’t forget to look up!

As always, Flambé invites you to follow her Zentangle-inspired antics (ZIAs) by visiting her page called Tangled Up, to see what trouble she always seems to find, past and present.