The May full moon is most often called the Flower Moon. “Flower Moon” is attributed to the Algonquin and Comanche peoples. The Anishnaabeg call May’s moon the Blossom Moon, and the Kalapuya are even more specific: Camas Blooming Moon. The Shoshone call this the Budding Moon. A common proverb in English-speaking countries asserts that “April showers bring May flowers!” It’s in May that many spring flowers start to appear, whether they are weeds in a lawn, cultivated flowers in a garden, or fleeting “spring ephemerals” in the woods. In most places May is a point in the spectrum of spring, and many of the full-moon names reflect that. Both the Choctaw and Creek tribes call this the Mulberry Moon, and the Arapaho call it When the Ponies Shed Their Shaggy Hair Moon. (I can’t say I’ve seen a pony shed it’s shaggy hair, but this sounds amazing!) Because of the dearth of flower names for the May full moon, and because it reflects what is happening in our part of the world, we call this moon the Flower Moon.
If this time of year is not full of flowers where you live, what else do you notice happening in nature? You can use my phenology tracker printable to record your nature observations and select a full name that makes sense for your area. Full moon names are a type of phenology, which is a way to record what is happening in nature. People often think there is only one “proper” name for each month, when in reality there are tons. Different tribes in the US have different names based on what is happening in nature in their area, and there are also names from Europe and beyond. Find or invent a moon name that resonates for you!
Flower Moon Coloring Page
Click on the image below to get the free printable! Find more fun flower moon crafts, activities and recipes here.
These coloring pages are drawn by hand by me. They are for personal use only. No ai please.