The full moon, beaming brightly, draws the eyes of all who look up to its glowing face. Its name alone inspires a profound appreciation for and relationship with the natural world. Almost every month the Moon adopts a specific name that reflects that month and season, historically based in Native American and colonial oral histories. These names reflect seasonal milestones and are documented in the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a reference book published every September that offers insights into weather patterns, Moon phases, and gardening tips for the upcoming year.
The names of the Moon’s full Moons are a evocative reminder of the changing cycles of nature. January’s full moon, often called the Wolf Moon, calls to mind the picture of starving wolves howling in the snowy darkness. February is next with the Snow Moon, a reminder of the snowstorms common during this month. As spring springs, March brings with it the Worm Moon. This full moon takes its name from the earthworms that begin to appear as the soil thaws.
Monthly Names and Their Significance
April’s full moon is known as the Pink Moon, named after the early blooming wildflowers that signal the arrival of spring. In May, gardeners honor the Flower Moon, as beautiful blooms abound in the spring garden. Some years will anomalously give us a Blue Moon in May. This wildly intriguing occurrence takes place when two full moons rise in one calendar month.
The names still conjure poems of transforming states as summer sinks into fall. In September, the Harvest Moon shines brightly, illuminating fields ready for harvest. Behind hot on its heels, October brings us the Hunter’s Moon — an especially significant time for hunters and gatherers readying for the winter to come.
These monthly designations celebrate our national cultural heritage while acknowledging the flow of time and the rhythm of nature.
The Science Behind the Moon
The Moon actually doesn’t orbit Earth in a perfect circle. Rather, its elliptical orbit makes how and when we see it in the sky vary immensely. When the Moon is closer to Earth, it appears to be larger, and it shines brighter. This thrilling spectacle can occur on both full and new phases of the Moon. It’s just that NASA wants to get your attention, so they call these super moons the ones that align especially closely with Earth’s orbit.
The difference between your average, normal full moons and super moons creates a whole new level of excitement for space geeks. A lunar eclipse is an extraordinary opportunity to see our Moon in a whole new light, adding even more beauty and gravity to our celestial body.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Its Role
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is vital to fostering those traditions. Released each September, it serves as a primary almanac for farmers and growers as they gather crucial information on climate predictions and lunar distributions. For millions, it remains the go-to authority for home gardening projects and farming innovations.
By sharing wisdom gained through many years of careful observation and experience, the Almanac bridges generations by connecting all of us to time-honored, agrarian cultural practices. This story first appeared on our sister site, the Byte. They root people in the world, grounding them in the Earth’s natural cycles, and stylize a larger story.
