Here are some common nicknames for full moons throughout the year:
- January: Wolf Moon
- February: Snow Moon or Hunger Moon
- March: Worm Moon
- April: Pink Moon
- May: Flower Moon
- June: Strawberry Moon
- July: Buck Moon
- August: Sturgeon Moon
- September: Harvest Moon
- October: Hunter’s Moon
- November: Beaver Moon
- December: Cold Moon or Long Night’s Moon
Note: These nicknames are mainly used in North America and can vary in different cultures and regions.
Wolf Moon
What is a Wolf Moon?
A “Wolf Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of January. The term “Wolf Moon” is believed to have originated from Native American cultures and refers to the howling of wolves, which was often heard during the cold and lonely winter months. The full moon in January is sometimes also referred to as the “Old Moon” or the “Moon after Yule.”
Snow Moon
What is a Snow Moon?
A “Snow Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of February. The term “Snow Moon” comes from the fact that February is typically a month of heavy snowfall in many parts of North America. The name acknowledges the harsh winter weather and the challenges that come with it. It is also known as the “Hunger Moon” because the harsh winter conditions made it difficult for early Native American tribes to find food.
Worm Moon
What is a Worm Moon?
A “Worm Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of March. The term “Worm Moon” comes from the Algonquin tribes in North America, who named the full moon after the appearance of earthworms on the soil surface as the ground begins to thaw. This full moon signals the end of winter and the arrival of spring, as plants and animals start to become more active and new life begins to emerge.
Pink Moon
What is a Pink Moon?
A “Pink Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of April. The name “Pink Moon” comes from the wildflower Phlox subulata, also known as “moss pink,” which typically blooms in the early spring in the northern hemisphere. The moon is not actually pink, but the name is used to identify the full moon of April in traditional full moon names.
Flower Moon
What is a Flower Moon?
The “Flower Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of May. It gets its name from the abundance of flowers that bloom during this time of year, marking the arrival of spring in many parts of the world. The moon is considered a symbol of renewal and growth, and the term “Flower Moon” is often used to represent the beauty and joy of spring.
Strawberry Moon
What is a Strawberry Moon?
A “Strawberry Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of June. The term “Strawberry Moon” comes from the Algonquin tribes in North America, who used the full moon to mark the beginning of the strawberry harvesting season. The moon gets its name from the reddish color it can sometimes take on due to the low angle at which it rises in the sky during the summer months.
Buck Moon
What is a Buck Moon?
A “Buck Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of July. The term “Buck Moon” comes from the Native American tradition, where the full moon was used to track the changing seasons. In July, the antlers of male deer (or “bucks”) start to grow, hence the name “Buck Moon.” This full moon marks the start of the summer season and is associated with growth, fertility, and renewal.
Sturgeon Moon
What is a Sturgeon Moon?
The “Sturgeon Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of August. It gets its name from the sturgeon fish, which were abundant in the Great Lakes and other bodies of water during this time of year, and were an important food source for Native American tribes in the region. The term is used to describe the full moon that appears during the sturgeon fishing season, marking the time when these fish were traditionally caught.
Harvest Moon
What is a Harvest Moon?
The “Harvest Moon” is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which is around September 22-23. This full moon is called the “Harvest Moon” because it provides farmers with an extended period of bright moonlight in the evening, allowing them to continue harvesting crops well into the night. The bright moonlight made it easier for farmers to work late into the evening to gather their crops before the first frost of the season. The Harvest Moon is also unique because it rises at a similar time each night for several days in a row, giving farmers more opportunities to work under the bright moonlight.
Hunter’s Moon
What is a Hunter’s Moon?
A “Hunter’s Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of October. The term “Hunter’s Moon” comes from Native American folklore, where it was used to mark the time of year when hunters would stock up on food in preparation for winter. The moon gets its name from the bright, orange color it takes on in the sky, making it easier for hunters to track and hunt game at night. The moon appears larger and brighter due to its proximity to the Earth, making it an ideal time for hunting.
Beaver Moon
What is Beaver Moon?
The “Beaver Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in the month of November. The term “Beaver Moon” comes from the Algonquin tribes in North America, who used the full moon to track the season for beaver trapping. As beavers build dams during this time of year, the name “Beaver Moon” reflects their increased activity. This full moon was also known as the “Frost Moon” because of the early frosts that occur in November.
Cold Moon
What is Cold Moon?
The “Cold Moon” is a nickname for the full moon that occurs in December. The name “Cold Moon” reflects the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, when the weather is at its coldest and the nights are longest. The term is used by indigenous cultures in North America and refers to the chill that is felt in the air as winter sets in. This full moon is also known as the “Long Night’s Moon” because of the length of the night during the winter solstice.