In April, we don’t “bare a single thread” because the air is freezing, the sun is hot, and the asphalt is wet. But all this cold rain makes the crocuses and tulips bloom, and in May, nature will take over the streets and alleys of Montreal—finally!—in the cracks of the sidewalks, along the windowsills, on the hoods of sports cars abandoned over the winter.
May will begin with the Flower Moon. The May full moon will reach its peak very early, at 3:23 p.m. in the sky above Montreal, but it will also be visible after sunset.
The Flower Moon
The full moon in May is called the Flower Moon in North America because this is the time of year when the trees are in bloom.
In May, in Montreal, we’ll be able to see;
- the Japanese cherry trees (Prunus serrulata)
- the Magnolias (Magnolia Grandiflora)
- the serviceberries (Amelanchier canadensis)
- the crabapples (Malus baccata)
The name “Flower Moon” was given to the May moon by the Algonquin Nation—confirmed by Christina Ruddy of The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre in Pikwakanagan, Ontario
Among the Indigenous nations of North America, this full moon is called;
- Budding Moon and Leaf Budding Moon (Cree)
- Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota)
- Egg Laying Moon (Cree)
- Moon of the Shedding Ponies (Oglala)
This year, the May full moon coincides with the traditional Celtic festival celebrated by summer lovers all over the world— May Day. It marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
For May Day, we recommend picking flowers and tying colorful ribbons in your hair. And, if you’re feeling up to it, go dance in a field to help the vegetables grow faster…
