The moon has been a significant part of human history for thousands of years.
Before digital calendars became prevalent, various civilizations used the moon to track time and organize their yearly schedules.
Today’s calendar is based on this ancient lunar tradition.
Along with the practical use of tracking time, our forefathers also gave colorful names to each month’s full moon, representing not just its moment of fullness but the entire calendrical month as well.
These names were carefully chosen and often represented signs of the seasons or other significant events occurring at that time of year.
One such name for May’s full moon is the Flower Moon.
This name is fitting given that spring is typically in full swing around this time, with blooming flowers covering the landscape.
It’s likely that our ancestors were able to observe similar scenes as we do today.
The exact moment of the Full Flower Moon for this year will occur at 9:53 a.m.
EDT on May 23rd.
However, it will be below the horizon and out of sight for those in North America.
But worry not, the moon will still appear full to the naked eye during the evenings of both May 22nd and May 23rd.
The tradition of naming moons extends far beyond just the Flower Moon.
Many other names that we are familiar with today come from various sources such as Colonial, Native American, and European heritage, each with its own rich history and folklore.
For example, in his “Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America: 1766, 1767, 1768” (published in 1798), famed colonial explorer Jonathan Carver referred to May’s moon as the “Month of Flowers,” after staying with the Naudowessie (Dakota) people in the Great Lakes region for a period.
Historic writings from Henry David Thoreau also mention both the Flower Moon and Carver, attesting to these origins.
Milk Moon” dates back to Medieval Europe when farmers would bring cows out to pasture in May, providing them with rich nourishment to nurse their newborn calves.
Hare Moon,” “Bright Moon,” “Mother’s Moon,” and “Grass Moon” are other examples of moon names with Old English and Celtic heritage.
As we enjoy the warmer weather and the beauty of spring flowers, perhaps it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the lives and experiences of our ancestors who likely observed the same seasonal signs that we do now.
The Flower Moon serves as a reminder of their wisdom, perseverance, and connection to the natural world around them.