5/6th May – 21/22nd May

Blue bells ring in the turning of dandelion time.
Hedgerows waking up welsh poppies and wall pennyworts

abundance is everywhere aquilegias, lilac and mayflowers

• First pentad: lóu guō míng – crickets start to chirp
• British natures calendar first swifts arrive
• Second pentad: qiūyǐn chū – earthworms come out
• British natures calendar lilacs
• Last pentad: wángguā shēng – melon plants begin to bear fruit
• British natures calendar ferns unfurl

According to the ancient Book of Rites, on Lixia the emperor would lead the Three Ducal Ministers, the Nine Ministers, and senior officials in greeting the summer, and the day was celebrated with gifts and music.