By the Light of the Moon – Part Two

Last week I gave you a few facts about the moon and a couple of the more unusual moons. This week I thought I’d explore the names of the full moons, starting with the traditional names but including other names they’re known by.

January:
In January the winter is upon us and wolves can be heard howling at the door. For this reason, the full moon is called the Full Wolf Moon. Other names include the Old Moon, Ice Moon, Cold Moon, Spirit Moon, Severe Moon, and Greetings Moon.

February:
This is typically the snowiest month of the year, which earns its full moon the name of Full Snow Moon. Other names include Hunger Moon, Bone Moon, and Black Bear Moon.

March:
Before global warming, March was typically when the grubs and worms began to emerge as the snow begins to recede and the earth begins to soften. For this reason this month’s full moon is known as the Full Worm Moon. Other names include Chaste Moon, Death Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Sugar Moon, Eagle Moon, and Wind Strong Moon.

April:
The pink color of the early blooming ground phlox earned this month’s moon the name of the Full Pink Moon. Other names include Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, and Budding Moon.

May:
With spring in full swing, it’s no wonder this month’s moon is the Full Flower Moon. Other names include Hare Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, Mother’s Moon, and Frog Moon.

June:
This is the month when strawberries start to ripen, giving the moon the name of the Full Strawberry Moon. Other names include Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Hoeing Moon, and Honey Moon.

July:
This is the time of year when male deer begin to re-grow their antlers, which is why the full moon is referred to as the Full Buck Moon. Other names include Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Raspberry Moon, and Salmon Moon.

August:
The best time to fish for sturgeon is during this month, which is why its full moon is known as the Full Sturgeon Moon. Other names include Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Red Moon, Black Cherries Moon, and Flying Up Moon.

September:
The summer season has come to an end and it’s time to harvest the corn, earning this month’s full moon the name of the Full Corn Moon. Other names include Barley Moon,, and Yellow Leaf Moon.

October:
Now is the time for hunting and laying in stores for the coming winter, which is why this month’s full moon is known as the Full Hunter’s Moon. Other names include Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Migrating Moon, and Falling Leaves Moon.

November:
The industrious beavers are active preparing their dams for winter, which makes them easier to trap. It’s no wonder the full moon for this month is the Full Beaver Moon. The only other name for this moon is the Frost Moon.

December:
The nights are longer and the days shorter, which means winter has come with its full moon being the Full Cold Moon. Other names for the last moon of the year include Long Night Moon, Oak Moon, and the Moon Before Yule.