May: A Season of Love and Winter’s Brief Comeback – Discover Exciting Destinations!

May – the month of blooming flowers, May – the month of romance or May – a time for love: these are the most common descriptions of the fifth month of the year. While the unpredictable weather of April usually comes to a close by the end of the month, May sometimes surprises us with unexpected and very brief spells of frost and cold that can catch spring’s nature off guard. However, many of May’s sayings, pieces of wisdom, and rhymes focus largely on themes of love and flowers.

Filipojakub Frost and Enchantment

The first day of May is traditionally dedicated to two saints, Philip and James; that is why the enchanting night from April 30 to May 1 is referred to as Philipmas. May Day is not only Labour Day but also a special time for romantic gestures like kissing under blooming cherry trees. Unfortunately, only one saying directly celebrates this lovely May custom:

• • The girl who isn’t kissed on May Day evening will wilt within a year.

In addition to this, the sayings surrounding Philip and James mainly predict rain, wind, and potential future harvests. It is also noted that on the first of May, St. Philip and St. James bring along a few additional morning frosts within their hold. The same weather patterns are observed on the fourth of May during the Feast of St. Florian. It was said that St. Florian often wears his snow hat – and indeed, our ancestors noted that it would usually get quite cold around this time, particularly during what was known as the Vojtěšsko-Florian cold snap. From St. Vojtěch to St. Florian, unexpected winds and frosts can still be anticipated. A charming saying reflecting this is The cuckoo must call, even if it bursts from the effort, alongside the succinct proverb Vojtíšek – grab your coat.

Pankrác, Servác, and Bonifác: The Ice Men

The final reminders of winter come through the Ice Men. Meteorologists explain why very cold air from the north can suddenly disrupt the spring bloom in Central Europe by identifying a common cause: typically, it occurs when there is a high-pressure area over Scandinavia along with a low-pressure area over Eastern Europe, prompting a flow of cold air from the north. If the sky clears during the night, it can lead to frost in the mornings, even as late as mid-May.

The Ice Men’s predictions usually hold true once every three years. Some common sayings include:

• • The Ice Brothers arrive with the cold, just as they should.

• • Pankrác, Servác, Bonifác, the Ice Men scorch fruits and flowers with their frost.

• • Pankrác, Servác, Bonifác can be trouble for farmers.

• • Saint Pancras, Servius and Boniface, you are feared by all rural folk.

The companion of the three Ice Men is Sophie, who tends to bring more tears than cold. There are indications of heavy and chilly rains around May 15:

• • The time of the Ice Men and St. Sophie won’t go by without rain.

• • The rain on St. Sophia’s day will harm the plum harvest.

• • Peppers should be planted after the Ice Men’s period.

• • St. Sophie does not favor flowers.

• • St. Sophie is known for flooding the fields.

If you have not yet planted your flowers and vegetable seedlings outside by the time the Ice Men arrive, you have made a wise decision. The risk of frost typically does not dissipate until shortly after mid-May.

St. Urban, Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit’s Promise

The celebration of St. John of Nepomuk occurs on May 16, which falls shortly after the Ice Men, ensuring that no weather mischief can be attributed to this day. However, on May 25, we celebrate St. Urban, who is the patron of winemakers, vine growers, gardeners, and all fruitful harvests. Hence, it is no surprise that numerous sayings pertain to agriculture and weather at the end of May:

• • As it is with Urban, so shall it be with a farmer’s sowing.

• • Bright sunshine on St. Urban’s Day forecasts a bountiful vintage.

• • Rain on Urban’s Day heralds an increase in mice population.

• • After St. Urban, frosts will not harm the vineyard.

Of course, the sayings also highlight Pentecost and the Feast of the Holy Spirit, celebrated fifty days after Easter and ten days post the Feast of the Ascension. These occasions not only feature the traditional Ride of the Kings, which is recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, but they also come with a variety of superstitions. These superstitions include claims like Rain during Pentecost promises sun during Corpus Christi or that The Holy Spirit will arrive carrying a bag of flies. I can’t help but wonder what the mysterious saying about To the Holy Spirit – a bang in the water could mean.

Springtime Kisses & Cherry Blossom Traditions in the Czech Republic

Experience the magic of spring with blossoms, folklore, and festive customs that have been cherished for generations.

1. Folk Beliefs & Special Nights

• St. Philip and James Night (April 30 – May 1):
  A time of enchantment when couples steal “springtime kisses” beneath blooming cherry trees. It marks the feast of Saints Philip and James, heralding the arrival of May and a season of renewal.

• The Ice Men (May 12 – 14):
  Pankrác, Servác, and Bonifác personify unexpected cold snaps in mid-May. Known as “Ice Saints,” their days warn gardeners to beware of late frosts.

• Three Crosses Tradition:
  Erected in fields or gardens as an act of thanksgiving for healing and protection—often tied to local miracles or recovered health.

2. Saint Urban & Mayday Customs

• St. Urban (May 25):
  Patron of winemakers and gardeners, celebrated with vineyard blessings to ensure a bountiful harvest.

• May Day Festivities (May 1):

  • Cherry-Blossom Kissing: Young lovers stroll among trees for luck and love.

  • Maypole Dancing: Villages raise and dance around brightly decorated poles, symbolizing fertility and community spirit.

3. Weather-Forecasting Proverbs

Farmers and gardeners have long relied on rhymes to predict spring’s temperament—and plan planting accordingly:

4. Top Spots for Cherry Blossoms (“Where to Find Stunning Blooms”)

1. Lužánky Park, Brno
   Wide avenues lined with Prunus × yedoensis (Yoshino cherry) for an urban hanami experience.

2. Petřín Hill, Prague
   Secluded groves near the funicular—perfect for a quiet picnic under pale-pink petals.

3. Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape
   Romantic castle grounds with ornamental orchards in full bloom.

4. Mikulov Wine Region
   Vineyard slopes dotted with flowering cherry trees, tying in St. Urban’s blessings.

5. Liberec Botanical Garden
   A curated collection of domestic and exotic Prunus species, ideal for cherry-blossom enthusiasts.

5. Name Day Highlight

• Sophia (May 15):
  Celebrated as “wisdom” in Greek, Sophia’s name day falls amidst the blossom season—perfect for toasting to knowledge and new beginnings beneath flowering branches.

Enjoy these traditions and locations for a truly Czech springtime experience, where folklore, floral beauty, and festive customs come together in a celebration of love, luck, and renewal.