Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Full Moons Have A Name...

I thought you might find this little bit of information from the Farmer's Almanac interesting...I know that I did!

Historically the Native Americans who lived in the area that is now the northern and eastern United States kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to the recurring full Moons. Each full Moon name was applied to the entire month in which it occurred. These names, and some variations, were used by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.

January

Full Wolf Moon.....This full Moon appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full Moon, in February.

February

Full Snow Moon.....Usually the heaviest snows fall in February. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some Native American tribes this was the Hunger Moon.

March

Full Worm Moon.....At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins. This is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.

April

Full Pink Moon.....This full Moon heralded the appearance of the grass pink, or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.

May

Full Flower Moon.....Flowers spring forth in abundance this month. Some Algonquin tribes knew this full Moon as the Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.

June

Full Strawberry Moon.....The Algonquin tribes knew this Moon as a time to gather ripening strawberries. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Hot Moon.

July

Full Buck Moon.....Bucks begin to grow new antlers at this time. This full Moon was also known as the Thunder Moon, because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.

August

Full Sturgeon Moon.....Some Native American tribes knew that the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this full Moon. Others called it the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon.

September

Full Harvest Moon.....The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.

October

Full Hunter's Moon.....This was the time to hunt in preparation for winter. This full Moon is also called the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.

November

Full Beaver Moon.....For both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. This full Moon was also called the Frost Moon.

December

Full Cold Moon.....This is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full Moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.

Now, I'm in the mood for some fresh coffee. How about you?

13 comments:

Lydia said...

Morning Jim,

Great info as always. I live in the country where the farmers are busy bailing hay and doing whatever with the corn/feed etc.. I bet the bright moon would be of great help even though their day begins so early.

Anonymous said...

Bubba, it sounds like Lydia lives a life you and I would (or do) envy.I realize everyone has their crosses to bear, though , so I should be careful what I wish for, huh. Great info. Love ya.

HermitJim said...

Hey Lydia...thanks for the visit. Farmers take advantage of the moon for light and for signs to follow. The animals are affected by moonlight as well. A lot of songs have been written about the moon, so I guess it affects us all more than we admit.


Hey Sis...good to see ya! I wouldn't mind living in the country and maybe...it won't be too much longer! It all depends, ya know?

Thanks, Ladies, for the visit and the comments...

Anonymous said...

Mornig Hermitjim and others:
I love the moon. One of my dear friends has retired from her work and bought herself a telescope. She is studying the stars, moon galaxies etc. and thoroughly enjoys it . They live on a beautiful acreage in the country about 3 kim (CDN) from the city and that would be about right. When they go to Yuma in the winter she also attends a group there that studies the stars.
Sad about where I live is that it doesn't get dark enough (in the summer) until midnight...also the city lights make it hard to see.
Am waiting for the aurora borealis to start showing up and doing its dance across the northern sky.
Do you get to see them in Texas?

Take care - is that storm letting up? Our news is a bit behind.

HermitJim said...

Hey Myrna...in Texas we can't see the northern lights. I would love to see them sometimes. I agree that the city lights prevent us from truly getting the full glory of the stars and moon. All we can do is enjoy what we have available to us.

Anonymous said...

Hermitjim - well the border is open to Texans -- and you can come visit anytime. They are beautful to see - but wear warm clothes !!

HermitJim said...

Hey Myrna...thanks for the invite! May do that one of these days...

Jim

Anonymous said...

Good info, as uaual. I know according to the Farmer's Almanac there are times to plant certain crops, etc. Very interesting - Mom

HermitJim said...

Hey Mom...good to see ya here. The Farmer's Almanac is a great source for planting and gardening in general. I love to read it...

Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Fascinating. I have never read the Farmer's Almanac, which is very strange, in a way, because I am a fan of Nature. I think your entry today has convinced me to be on the lookout for the newest edition, and just get into it.
Have a great day, Jim and all
Regards
danish

HermitJim said...

Hey Danish...thanks for stopping by. You can get the Almanac on line at ­ http://www.almanac.com. It's a good site and has some good info on it.

I get one every year...

Thanks again

Anonymous said...

Hermitjim- what's with the followers ? in the top left corner .
Was a beautiful day here today - sunny , and cooler tonight - right now is 12 C - down to about 6 .
See you tomorrow !

Cygnus MacLlyr said...

hey-- NO SPYING!!!
i saw ya see me as i was approaching the abode...
shhh... we know the fermented beverage(s) are WERBOTEN here...

Cygnus