fifth month of the lunar calendar
Obsolete term for the fifth month of the old lunar calendar, roughly corresponding to June in the modern calendar. Used in historical or poetic contexts.
The old lunar calendar's Satsuki corresponds to June today.
A type of azalea (Rhododendron indicum) that blooms around May–June. Often written in kana.
Satsuki azaleas are blooming in the garden.
つつじ is the general word for azaleas, while 皐月 refers specifically to the late-blooming satsuki azalea (Rhododendron indicum).
五月 is the standard modern name for May, while 皐月 is a classical/poetic alternative name used in traditional or literary contexts.
Standard kanji spelling for the month name and the azalea.
Kana spelling is common for the azalea sense.
Katakana spelling sometimes used for the plant name.
Alternate kanji spelling; can be confused with 五月 read ごがつ, 'May'.
Rarely used kanji form.
The name さつき is said to derive from 早苗月 (さなえづき), the month of planting rice seedlings, which was later shortened. The kanji 皐月 is an ateji spelling.