Full Moons & Their Meanings©

Written by American Author Sky Taylor

Full Moons, Native Americans Heritage

The Native Americans as well as early European settlers gave the moon numerous names based upon the month of the year as well as the seasonal weather.

Keep in mind that the full lunar month equals twenty-nine days, therefore the dates of the full moons revolve based on such.

I love the moon so much that I included it in my website's official name. Many of the romance stories that I write also include 'Moon' in their titles.

Names of January Full Moons

Wolf Moon, Old OR Waning Moon, Moon After Yule, Snow Moon

Full Wolf Moon is based on the howling of the wolf packs during this first month of the year when snowfall was prevalent - and at times, deep. The Indians could hear the packs howling through the distance.

Old OR Waning Moon is a phase where the moon lies between last quarter and the new moon when it appears as a waning crescent. Moon After Yule means following the old year. Full Snow Moon was used most likely due to January being a prolific month for snowfall.

February Full Moons

Snow Moon, Hunger Moon

The Full Snow Moon was most likely named after the generous amounts of snow during February - the most prolific month for snowfall.  Full Hunger Moon paralleled with the minimal amount of food that was available during the harsh month of February.

March Full Moons

Worm Moon, Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon, Lenten Moon

As March appeared, the warmer weather began to thaw the frozen soil with the earthworms starting to put in an appearance - thus the Full Worm Moon. Full Crow Moon referred to the cawing crows - as like other birds their song signals the end of the colder months and the promise of warmer temperatures.

Full Crust Moon refers to the snow which thaws and refreezes overnight. As the maple trees began to grow rich with sap flowing, the Full Sap Moon seems quite applicable. Lenten Moon referenced the last full moon of winter.

April Full Moons

Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, Paschal Moon, Seed Moon

The Full Pink Moon referred to the blankets of pink phlox appearing on the ground along with spring wildflowers. Phlox is one of the first wildflowers to appear in spring. The other names refer to the birth of spring - with fowl laying eggs, with fish being more plentiful and with seeds being planted for summer harvest.

May Full Moons

Milk Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Flower Moon

During this month the full moon doesn't get very high above the horizon. In addition, this is the month for planting, and corn was particularly an important crop for the Native Americans. It is also a month filled with a myriad of flowers.

June Full Moons

Full Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Mead Moon, Thunder Moon

The summer thunderstorms arrive with the harvesting of the strawberries and other tasty berries.

July Full Moons

Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Full Hay Moon

More thunderstorms appear in addition to the new velvety horns of the bucks. July was often a stellar month for hay harvesting.

August Full Moons

Sturgeon Moon, Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon

August is the month were sturgeon harvesting is at peak. The moon also appears reddish at times due to hazy weather caused by the heat. Other names for this month refer to crop planting and harvesting.

September Full Moons

Corn Moon, Harvest Moon

During this time of year, harvesting could last late in the day and into the night under the Harvest Moon, storing away precious food for the oncoming cold and bitter months of winter.

October Full Moons

Hunters Moon, Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, Sanguine Moon

At this time of year, wildlife has feasted on the goods of summer and are fat for hunting, thus allowing food to be stored for winter.

In addition, after the harvest of the grain fields and crops, wildlife often make their way to feast on leftovers - thus making them easier targets.

November Full Moons

Beaver Moon, Frosty Moon

As days and particularly nights become frosty, the hide of the beaver is necessary for warmth to our Native American tribes.

December Full Moons

Cold Moon, Moon Before the Yule, Long Nights Moon, Oak Moon

Night becomes longer, the days colder just before the Yule.

 

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