There is something undeniably enchanting about the night sky. Whether you are an avid stargazer with a telescope at the ready or simply someone who enjoys a quiet evening walk, the moon has a way of capturing our collective imagination. But every so often, the cosmos offers us something truly special: a Blue Moon.
Mark your calendars, because on the 31st of May 2026, we are due for this rare and beautiful spectacle. It is the perfect excuse to step outside, breathe in the cool night air, and reconnect with the wonders of the natural world. But what exactly makes a moon “blue”? And why do we associate it with rare flowers and old rhymes? Let’s explore the history and folklore behind this upcoming celestial event.
What is a Blue Moon?
Despite the evocative name, a Blue Moon does not usually look blue. If you look up on the 31st of May, you will likely see a brilliant, pearlescent white orb, perhaps tinged with gold if it is low on the horizon.
In astronomical terms, a Blue Moon is widely defined as the second full moon in a single calendar month. Because the lunar cycle is roughly 29.5 days long, and most months are 30 or 31 days, we occasionally squeeze two full moons into one month. The first will occur at the very beginning of May 2026, leaving room for the “Blue” moon to make its grand appearance on the 31st.
There is also an older, seasonal definition: the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. However, the monthly definition is the one that most modern stargazers follow. It is a quirk of the calendar, a mathematical rarity that happens roughly every two and a half years—hence the saying, “once in a blue moon.”
The “Blue Moon” Flower
Interestingly, the phrase “Blue Moon” does not just belong to the sky. It is also the name of one of the most beloved roses in British gardening history. If you are looking to plant something special in anticipation of the 2026 event, this is the perfect candidate.
The ‘Blue Moon’ is a Hybrid Tea rose, famous for its unusually pale, lilac-blue petals. In the language of flowers, blue roses traditionally symbolise mystery, the impossible, or the attaining of the impossible. True blue pigment does not exist naturally in roses, so breeders spent decades trying to create one.
When this variety was introduced in 1964, it was the closest anyone had come to a true blue rose. It was named ‘Blue Moon’ to reflect its rarity and its captivating, almost ethereal colour. It carries a heady, sweet fragrance and blooms faithfully throughout the summer. Planting a Blue Moon rose is a wonderful way to bring a touch of that celestial magic down to earth, creating a garden that mirrors the sky.
The Event on 31st May 2026
The Blue Moon of May 2026 is particularly special because it falls right on the cusp of summer. The evenings are getting warmer, the gardens are in full bloom, and the sky is often clearer.
Historically, the full moon in May is known as the “Flower Moon,” named for the abundance of blooms across the Northern Hemisphere during this month. So, on the 31st of May, we will be witnessing a “Blue Flower Moon.”
History and Folklore
The term “Blue Moon” has shifted in meaning over the centuries. Four hundred years ago, if someone said the moon was blue, it was akin to saying pigs might fly—it meant something was absurd or impossible.
The modern definition (two moons in a month) actually stems from a misinterpretation of the Maine Farmers’ Almanac by a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in the 1940s. The error stuck, and now it is the standard way we understand the event.
Occasionally, the moon can literally appear blue. This happens after massive volcanic eruptions or forest fires, where ash particles in the atmosphere scatter red light, allowing only blue light to pass through. This was famously observed after the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. However, for the 2026 event, we are expecting the colour to be the classic, glowing white we know and love.
Rhymes and Quotes
The concept of the Blue Moon has inspired poets and storytellers for generations. It represents a moment of opportunity—a brief window where the unusual becomes possible.
One old folk rhyme goes:
“When the moon is blue, make a wish that’s true, for the magic of the night, brings your dreams to sight.”
It is a reminder that these rare moments in time are worth pausing for. They break up the routine of our daily lives and ask us to look for magic in the margins.
How to Celebrate the Blue Moon
You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy the 31st of May. Here are a few simple, inspiring ways to mark the occasion.
Create a Moon Garden
If you have green fingers, use this spring to prepare a “moon garden.” These are gardens designed to be enjoyed at night. Plant white or pale-coloured flowers that reflect the moonlight, such as:
- White Jasmine
- Evening Primrose
- White Hydrangeas
- The ‘Blue Moon’ Rose (for its thematic connection)
On the night of the 31st, these plants will seem to glow in the dark, creating a serene atmosphere for viewing.
Host a Moonlit Picnic
May is often mild enough for an evening outdoors. Pack a hamper with warm flasks of tea, hot chocolate, or perhaps a moon-themed cocktail. Head to a local park, a high hill, or simply your own back garden. Lay out a blanket and watch the moon rise. It is a wonderful activity for families, giving children a chance to stay up a little late and learn about the night sky.
Set Intentions
In many traditions, a full moon is a time of completion and release. A Blue Moon is seen as an extra powerful time for this. Take a quiet moment on the evening of the 31st to write down things you wish to let go of, or goals you want to bring to fruition. It is a healthy, mindful way to check in with yourself as the season changes.
Capture the Moment
For photography enthusiasts, a full moon provides a stunning subject. The best time to photograph the moon is actually at moonrise, just as it peeks above the horizon. This is when the “moon illusion” occurs, making the moon appear much larger than it is high in the sky. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and capture the landscape illuminated by the silver light.
Look Up and Wonder
The Blue Moon on 31st May 2026 is a gentle nudge from the universe to slow down. In our busy lives, we often forget to look up. We forget that we are spinning through space, circled by a glowing rock that pushes and pulls our oceans.
Whether you choose to plant a rose, share a rhyme with your children, or simply stand by the window for a quiet minute, make sure you don’t let the moment pass you by. After all, it only happens once in a blue moon.
Further Reading: How to Rebrand Yourself and Shape Your Next Chapter, Cosmic Ordering: Manifesting Your Desires, Affirmations: Positive Change, The Power of a Positive Mindset, How to Live a Positive Life, The Wolf Moon: Embrace the magic of January’s full moon
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