Full moons are given special names in many cultures around the world. These names are often based on the month in which the full moon occurs, and they are often tied to the natural world or to significant events that took place during that month.
One theory is that the names were used as a way to keep track of the passing of time and to mark the changing seasons. Full moons were also seen as important markers for planting, harvesting, and other activities that were tied to the changing seasons.
In modern times, full moon names are still used by many people as a way to connect with the natural world and to celebrate the beauty of the full moon. Some people also use the names as a way to celebrate the cultural traditions of their ancestors.
The use of special names for full moons is a way to give meaning and significance to this natural event and to help us connect with the cycles of the earth and the passing of time.
January: Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in January. It is called the Wolf Moon because it is said that during this time, wolves would howl more frequently due to the scarcity of food. The Wolf Moon is also known as the Cold Moon because it occurs during the midst of winter when the weather is cold and the nights are long.
Some Native American tribes also gave the Wolf Moon special significance. They believed that the howling of wolves during this time was a sign of good fortune and a symbol of the wolf’s strength and endurance. The wolf was seen as a guardian and protector, and the howls of the wolves were thought to be a way of communicating with the spirits.
In modern times, the Wolf Moon is still celebrated by some people as a time to embrace their inner strength and to honor the enduring spirit of the wolf. Many people also use this time to reflect on the lessons they can learn from the wolf, such as the importance of community and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
Whether you’re a fan of the wolf or simply appreciate the beauty of the full moon, the Wolf Moon is a time to reflect and to find inspiration in the world around us.
Alternative names for Wolf Moon are Canada Goose Moon, Center Moon, Cold Moon, Freeze Up Moon, Frost Exploding Moon, Great Moon, Greetings Moon, Hard Moon, Severe Moon, Spirit Moon.
February: Snow Moon
The Snow Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in February. It is called the Snow Moon because it is typically a time when the weather is cold and snowy in many parts of the world. The Snow Moon is also known as the Hunger Moon because it was a time when food was scarce and people had to rely on stored supplies to get through the winter.
In some Native American cultures, the Snow Moon was seen as a time of great spiritual significance. It was believed that the Snow Moon had the power to bring clarity and understanding, and it was often seen as a time to seek guidance and wisdom from the spirits. Many Native American tribes also held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Snow Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Snow Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time to embrace the beauty and power of winter. It is a time to embrace the cold and the darkness, and to find strength and resilience in the face of the challenges that winter brings. Whether you’re a fan of the cold or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Snow Moon is a time to find meaning and inspiration in the world around us.
Alternative names for Snow Moon are Bald Eagle Moon, Bear Moon, Black Bear Moon, Month of the Bony Moon, Eagle Moon, Groundhog Moon, Hungry Moon, Raccoon Moon.
March: Worm Moon
The Worm Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in March. It is called the Worm Moon because it marks the time of year when the earth begins to thaw and worms start to emerge from the ground. The Worm Moon is also known as the Sap Moon because it marks the beginning of the sap-collecting season in many parts of the world.
In some Native American cultures, the Worm Moon was seen as a time of renewal and rebirth. It was believed that the earth was waking up from its winter slumber, and that the worms were a sign of the new life that was emerging. Many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Worm Moon and to give thanks for the coming of spring.
Today, the Worm Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of renewal and rebirth. It is a time to shed the old and to embrace the new, and to find hope and inspiration in the changing of the seasons. Whether you’re a fan of the earthy energy of spring or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Worm Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Worm Moon are Crow Comes Back Moon, Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Snow Crust Moon, Sore Eye Moon, Sugar Moon, Wind Strong Moon.
April: Pink Moon
The Pink Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in April. It is called the Pink Moon because it marks the time of year when wildflowers, such as phlox and moss pink, begin to bloom. The Pink Moon is also known as the Egg Moon because it marks the time of year when birds lay their eggs.
In some Native American cultures, the Pink Moon was seen as a time of great beauty and abundance. It was believed that the Pink Moon had the power to bring fertility and prosperity, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Pink Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Pink Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of beauty and abundance. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of spring and to find joy and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of wildflowers or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Pink Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Pink Moon are Breaking Ice Moon, Broken Snowshoe Moon, Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs, Frog Moon, Moon of the Red Grass Appearing, Moon When the Ducks Come Back, Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs, Moon When the Streams are Again Navigable, Sucker Moon, Sugar Maker Moon.
May: Flower Moon
The Flower Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in May. It is called the Flower Moon because it marks the time of year when flowers are in full bloom, filling the air with their fragrant scent. The Flower Moon is also known as the Corn Planting Moon because it marks the time of year when corn is planted in many parts of the world.
In some Native American cultures, the Flower Moon was seen as a time of great abundance and prosperity. It was believed that the Flower Moon had the power to bring abundance and fertility, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Flower Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Flower Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of abundance and prosperity. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of spring and to find joy and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of flowers or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Flower Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Flower Moon are Budding Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Frog Moon, Leaf Budding Moon, Planting Moon, Moon of Shedding Ponies.
June: Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in June. It is called the Strawberry Moon because it marks the time of year when strawberries are ripe and ready to be picked. The Strawberry Moon is also known as the Rose Moon or the Hot Moon because it marks the beginning of the summer season, when the weather is warm and the days are long.
In some Native American cultures, the Strawberry Moon was seen as a time of great abundance and joy. It was believed that the Strawberry Moon had the power to bring abundance and prosperity, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Strawberry Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Strawberry Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of abundance and joy. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of summer and to find joy and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of strawberries or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Strawberry Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Strawberry Moon are Berries Ripen Moon, Birth Moon, Blooming Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Hatching Moon, Green Corn Moon, Hot Moon, Hoer Moon.
July: Buck Moon
The Buck Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in July. It is called the Buck Moon because it marks the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow new antlers. The Buck Moon is also known as the Thunder Moon because it is a time of year when thunderstorms are common.
In some Native American cultures, the Buck Moon was seen as a time of strength and vitality. It was believed that the energy of the Buck Moon could help to bring strength and power, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Buck Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Buck Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of strength and vitality. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of summer and to find strength and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of deer or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Buck Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Buck Moon are Berry Moon, Feather Moulting Moon, Halfway Summer Moon, Month of the Ripe Corn Moon, Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe, Raspberry Moon, Salmon Moon, Thunder Moon.
August: Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in August. It is called the Sturgeon Moon because it marks the time of year when sturgeon, a type of fish, are most active and can be easily caught in the Great Lakes and other bodies of water. The Sturgeon Moon is also known as the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon because it marks the time of year when corn and other grains are ripe and ready to be harvested.
In some Native American cultures, the Sturgeon Moon was seen as a time of abundance and prosperity. It was believed that the energy of the Sturgeon Moon could help to bring abundance and good fortune, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Sturgeon Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Sturgeon Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of abundance and prosperity. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of summer and to find joy and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of fishing or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Sturgeon Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Sturgeon Moon are Black Cherries Moon, Corn Moon, Flying Up Moon, Harvest Moon, Mountain Shadows Moon, Ricing Moon.
September: Harvest Moon or Corn Moon
The Harvest Moon or Corn Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in October. It is called the Harvest Moon because it marks the time of year when crops are harvested. The Harvest Moon is also known as the Barley Moon because it marks the time of year when corn and barley are harvested. In some Native American cultures, the Harvest Moon was seen as a time of abundance and thanksgiving. It was believed that the energy of the Harvest Moon could help to bring abundance and prosperity, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Harvest Moon and to give thanks for the bounty of the earth.
It is also called the Corn Moon because it marks the time of year when corn is harvested in many parts of the world. In some Native American cultures, the Corn Moon was seen as a time of abundance and prosperity. It was believed that the energy of the Corn Moon could help to bring abundance and good fortune, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Corn Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Corn Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of abundance and prosperity. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of autumn and to find joy and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of the harvest season or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Corn Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Harvest Moon are Autumn Moon, Child Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Harvest Moon, Leaves Turning Moon, Mating Moon, Moon of Brown Leaves, Moon When the Rice is Laid Up to Dry, Rutting Moon, Yellow Leaf Moon.
October: Hunter’s Moon
The Hunter’s Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in November. It is called the Hunter’s Moon because it marks the time of year when hunting season begins in many parts of the world. The Hunter’s Moon is also known as the Blood Moon because it is a time of year when the leaves have fallen and the air is crisp, giving the moon a reddish hue.
In some Native American cultures, the Hunter’s Moon was seen as a time of preparation and readiness. It was believed that the energy of the Hunter’s Moon could help to bring strength and endurance, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Hunter’s Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Hunter’s Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of preparation and readiness. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of autumn and to find strength and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of hunting or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Hunter’s Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Hunter’s Moon (or Harvest Moon*) are Drying Rice Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Freezing Moon, Ice Moon, Migrating Moon.
November: Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in November. It is called the Beaver Moon because it marks the time of year when beavers begin to build their winter dams and lodges. The Beaver Moon is also known as the Frost Moon because it marks the beginning of the frosty winter season.
In some Native American cultures, the Beaver Moon was seen as a time of preparation and hard work. It was believed that the energy of the Beaver Moon could help to bring strength and determination, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Beaver Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Beaver Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of preparation and hard work. It is a time to embrace the vibrant energy of autumn and to find strength and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of beavers or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Beaver Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Beaver Moon are Deer Rutting Moon, Digging/Scratching Moon, Freezing Moon, Frost Moon, Whitefish Moon.
December: Cold Moon
The Cold Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in December. It is called the Cold Moon because it marks the beginning of the cold winter season. The Cold Moon is also known as the Long Night Moon because it occurs during the longest nights of the year.
In some Native American cultures, the Cold Moon was seen as a time of contemplation and introspection. It was believed that the energy of the Cold Moon could help to bring clarity and understanding, and many Native American tribes held ceremonies and rituals to honor the Cold Moon and to ask for its blessings.
Today, the Cold Moon is still celebrated by many people as a time of contemplation and introspection. It is a time to embrace the quiet energy of winter and to find peace and inspiration in the natural world. Whether you’re a fan of the cold or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the full moon, the Cold Moon is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Alternative names for Cold Moon are Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Hoar Frost Moon, Little Spirit Moon, Long Night Moon, Mid-winter Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers, Snow Moon, Winter Maker Moon.
Blue Moon
The Blue Moon is a term used to describe the second full moon that occurs in a single calendar month. It is called a Blue Moon because it is a relatively rare occurrence, happening about once every 2.5 years. The Blue Moon is not actually blue in color, but it has been given this name because of the rarity of the event.
In some cultures, the Blue Moon is seen as a time of mystery and magic. It is believed that the energy of the Blue Moon has the power to bring about unexpected changes and to make the impossible possible. Many people use the Blue Moon as an opportunity to set intentions and to make wishes, believing that the energy of the Blue Moon can help to manifest their desires.
Whether you’re a fan of the magic and mystery of the Blue Moon or simply appreciate the beauty of the full moon, it is a time to find inspiration and to embrace the power of the natural world. Whether you choose to make wishes, set intentions, or simply appreciate the beauty of the Blue Moon, it is a time to find meaning and purpose in the world around us.
Indian Full Moon Names (Purnima)
In Sanskrit, the word for full moon is “Pūrṇimā” (पूर्णिमा). On the day of Purnima, the full moon occurs and is fully illuminated at 100%. During this time, the Moon is perfectly aligned with the Sun and Earth in a straight line. Full moons can bring about high tides and can sometimes coincide with lunar eclipses.
- Chaitra Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Chitra (a star Spica). It is also known as Hanuman Jayanti.
- Vaishakha Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Vishakha (a part spread in the Libra constellation). It is also known as Buddha Purnima.
- Jeshta Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Jeshta (a star Antares). It is also known as Vat Purnima.
- Aashada Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Purva Aashada/Uthra Aashada (a part of the Sagittarius constellation). It is also known as Guru Purnima.
- Sraavana Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Sravana (a star Altair).
- Bhaadrapada Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Purva Bhaadrapada/Uthra Bhaadrapada (a part between Pegasus and Andromeda). It is also known as Shraddha Purnima.
- Asvina Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Aswin (a part of the Aries constellation). It is also known as Sharad Purnima/Kojagiri Purnima.
- Karthika Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Karthika (Pleiades).
- Margashirsha Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Margashirsha (a part of the Orion constellation). It is also known as Dattātreya Jayanti.
- Pausha Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Pausha (a part of the Cancer constellation). It is also known as Shakambhari Purnima.
- Maga Purnima is a day when the full Moon lies in/near Maga (a star Regulus).
- Phalguna Purnima is a day when full Moon lies in/near Poorva Phalguna/Uthra Phalguna (a star Denebola). It is also known as Holi/Phalgun Purnima.
Chinese Full Moon Names
As per Chinese mythology, January full Moon is known as Holiday Moon, February full Moon is known as Budding Moon, March full Moon is known as Sleepy Moon, April full Moon is known as Peony Moon, May full Moon is known as Dragon Moon, June full Moon is known as Lotus Moon, July full Moon is known as Hungry Ghost Moon, August full Moon is known as Harvest Moon, September full Moon is known as Chrysanthemum Moon, October full Moon is known as Kindly moon, November full Moon is known as White Moon, December full Moon is known as Bitter Moon.