What Is the Flower Moon?

Quick Answer

The Flower Moon is the full moon that occurs in May. In 2026, it falls on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the moon in Scorpio. The name originates from Native American tradition and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, named for the abundant blooms of late spring.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 · Zodiac: Scorpio · Also called: Milk Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Hare Moon, Mother’s Moon · Next full moon: Blue Moon (May 31, 2026)

What Is the Flower Moon?

The Flower Moon is the full moon of May in the traditional North American full moon calendar. It follows the Pink Moon in April and, in most years, precedes the Strawberry Moon in June.

Like every full moon, it occurs when the Moon sits opposite the Sun in the sky and its entire Earth-facing side is lit. The name is a seasonal marker rather than an astronomical category.

Why Is It Called the Flower Moon?

By May, spring growth is at its peak across much of North America. Meadows, woodlands, orchards, and gardens are in bloom, and the full moon of the month took its name from that abundance. The name is attributed to Native American tradition and appears in the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Unlike the Pink Moon, which is named for a single early wildflower, the Flower Moon refers to the season's flowers as a whole.

When Is the Flower Moon in 2026?

The 2026 Flower Moon falls on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the Moon in the zodiac sign of Scorpio. It is the fifth full moon of the year and the first of two in May. The second full moon, on May 31, 2026, is a Blue Moon, defined as the second full moon in a calendar month.

• Previous full moon: Pink Moon — Wednesday, April 1, 2026
• Flower Moon: Friday, May 1, 2026 (Moon in Scorpio)
• Next full moon: Blue Moon — Sunday, May 31, 2026

What Are the Other Names for the Flower Moon?

May's full moon is known by several names across cultures and almanacs, many tied to planting and animal life.

• Milk Moon — for the abundance of milk from grazing animals on fresh spring pasture
• Corn Planting Moon — for the planting season in many Native American farming traditions
• Hare Moon — for the hares of spring, long linked with fertility
• Mother's Moon — for themes of motherhood and nurturing associated with May

What Is the Spiritual and Astrological Meaning of the Flower Moon?

The Flower Moon is commonly associated with growth, abundance, and the fullness of life. It is a traditional symbol of things coming into bloom after a period of preparation.

Astrologically, the 2026 Flower Moon occurs in Scorpio, a Water sign ruled by Mars and Pluto and associated with intensity, depth, transformation, and emotional honesty. A full moon in Scorpio is traditionally linked with themes of release and change. Because the Sun is in Taurus at the same time, the Scorpio–Taurus axis emphasizes the balance between holding on and letting go.

How Is the Flower Moon Connected to Vesak?

Vesak, also called Buddha Day or Wesak, is the Buddhist festival marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It is observed on a full moon day in the lunar calendar, typically in May, so it frequently coincides with the Flower Moon.

The date varies by country and tradition because lunar calendars differ. In 2026, many countries observe Vesak on or around May 31, the date of the second full moon of the month.