Full Moon Names and Their Meanings - Farmers' Almanac Email Address: Verify Email: Thank you! You're all set to receive updates from the us! To make sure you receive our emails properly, you may want to add newsletter@farmersalmanac.com to your email address book. You are here: Home » Full Moon Names and Their Meanings Full Moon Names and Their Meanings Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Add to Google+ Share on Pinterest Subscribe by Email Print This Post Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. Here is the Farmers Almanac’s list of the full Moon names.

– Full Wolf Moon – January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon. – Full Snow Moon – February Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. – Full Worm Moon – March As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation.

To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter. – Full Pink Moon – April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. – Full Flower Moon – May In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon. – Full Strawberry Moon – June This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry! – The Full Buck Moon – July July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur.

It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month’s Moon was the Full Hay Moon. – Full Sturgeon Moon – August The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. – Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon – September This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon.

Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering. – Full Hunter’s Moon or Full Harvest Moon – October This full Moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it’s time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean from the fallen grains. Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter’s Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.

– Full Beaver Moon – November This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon. – The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon – December During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun. Full Moon for May 2017 | The Old Farmers Almanac Full Moon for May 2017 May Full Flower Moon Show Share: Rate this Article: Average: 3.4 (233 votes) Find the Full Moon for May 2017 dates—plus, Moon phases, best days by the Moon, folklore, and more.

Full Blue Moon Show This past May, The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Slooh presented live footage of the Full Moon through Slooh’s Canary Islands Observatory. Watch below! Slooh Host, Paul Cox, and Slooh Astronomer, and Astronomy Editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Bob Berman, are joined by Janice Stillman, Editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. They discuss what exactly a Blue Moon is, how this particular Full Moon got the name “Full Flower Moon,” and even how the placement of the Moon was once a key piece of evidence in a murder trial. Watch show below. You can go to Slooh.com to join and watch live broadcasts, snap and share your own photos during events, chat with audience members and interact with the hosts, and personally control Slooh’s telescopes. Full Moon Names We use Full Moon names that were used during Native American and Colonial times to help track the seasons. Depending on the tribe, May’s Full Moon was called the Full Flower Moon as well as Mother’s Moon, Milk Moon, and Corn Planting Moon.

The May Moon marked a time of increasing fertility with temperatures warm enough for safely bearing young, a near end to late frosts, and plants in bloom. Full Moon names To keep track of the days, different cultures gave the Full Moon of each month specific names. Here are some commonly used Full Moon names in North American culture: January - Wolf Moon Also known as the Moon after Yule, Old Moon or Snow Moon, the Full moon in January was named after howling wolves. Blue Moon is a Full Moon with no name February - Snow Moon February ’s Full Moon was dedicated to the snowy conditions that marked the month. It was also sometimes called the full hunger moon by North American tribes who would find their food sources depleted due to the winter. March - Worm Moon The last Full Moon of the winter season in March , is also known as the Lenten Moon, the Crow Moon to signify the crows that appear at the end of winter, and Sap Moon to mark the time for harvesting maple syrup from maple tree saps. It is also known as the Worm Moon because of the earthworms that come out at the end of winter and herald the coming of spring.

April - Pink Moon The first Full Moon in April is sometimes called the Paschal Moon in the ecclesiastical calendar because it is used to calcualate the date for Easter - the first Sunday after the Paschal Moon is Easter . The name Pink Moon comes from the pink flowers – phlox – that grow in many places at the beginning of spring. Other names for this full moon include Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon and Fish Moon. May - Flower Moon The May Full Moon is known as Flower Moon to signify the flowers that bloom during this month. Other names for the Full Moon are Milk Moon and Corn Planting Moon. June - Strawberry Moon June ’s Full Moon is named after strawberries that become plentiful during this month. July - Buck Moon The Full Moon for the month of July is called Buck Moon to signify the new antlers that emerge from Buck Deers' foreheads around this time if the year. This Full Moon is also known as Thunder Moon or Hay Moon. August - Sturgeon Moon The Full Moon for August is called Sturgeon Moon because of the large number of fish that can be easily found in the lakes in North America. Other names for this Full Moon include Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

September - Harvest Moon September ’sFull Moon is called Harvest Moon because farmers tend to harvest their crops around the full Moon. October - Hunter's Moon or Blood Moon Traditionally, tribes spent the month of October preparing for the coming winter. This included hunting, slaughtering and preserving meats for use as food. This led to October’s Full Moon being called the Hunter’s Moon and sometimes Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon. However, this should not be confused with a Total Lunar Eclipse - Blood Moon November - Beaver Moon According to folklore, the Full Moon for November is named after Beavers who become active while preparing for the winter. December - Cold Moon December is the month when winter begins for most of the Northern Hemisphere, hence, its Full Moon is called the Cold Moon. Full Moon Names Full Moon Names for 2009 Full Moon Names for 2009 By Joe Rao, SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist | January 9, 2009 11:23am ET MORE Full moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. Those tribes of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon.

Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There were some variations in the moon names, but in general the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England on west to Lake Superior. European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names. Here is a listing of all of the full moon names, as well as the dates and times for 2009. Unless otherwise noted, all times are for the Eastern Time Zone. Jan. 10, 10:27 p.m. EST -- Full Wolf Moon. Amid the zero cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. It was also known as the Old Moon or the moon after Yule. In some tribes this was the Full Snow Moon; most applied that name to the next moon. The moon will also be at perigee (its closest point to Earth) on this day, at 6:00 a.m. EST, at a distance of 222,138mi. (357,497 km.) from Earth. Very high ocean tides can be expected from the coincidence of perigee with full moon. Feb.

9, 9:49 a.m. EST -- Full Snow Moon. Usually the heaviest snows fall in this month. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some tribes this was the Full Hunger Moon. Mar. 10, 10:38 p.m. EDT -- Full Worm Moon. In this month the ground softens and the earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signals the end of winter, or the Full Crust Moon because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. Apr. 9, 10:56 a.m. EDT -- Full Pink Moon. The grass pink or wild ground phlox is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names were the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and -- among coastal tribes -- the Full Fish Moon, when the shad came upstream to spawn. This is also the Paschal Full Moon; the first full Moon of the spring season.

The first Sunday following the Paschal Moon is Easter Sunday, which indeed will be observed three days later on Sunday, April 12. May 9, 12:01 a.m. EDT -- Full Flower Moon. Flowers are abundant everywhere. It was also known as the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon. Jun. 7, 2:12 p.m. EDT -- Full Strawberry Moon. Known to every Algonquin tribe. Europeans called it the Rose Moon. Jul. 7, 5:21 a.m. EDT -- Full Buck Moon, when the new antlers of buck deer push out from their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, thunderstorms being now most frequent. Sometimes this is also called the Full Hay Moon. Since the moon arrives at apogee less than 13 hours later, this will also be smallest full moon of 2009. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12-percent smaller than the full moon of Jan. 10 Aug. 5, 8:55 p.m.

EDT -- Full Sturgeon Moon, when this large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water like Lake Champlain is most readily caught. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because the moon rises looking reddish through sultry haze, or the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. Sep. 4, 12:03 a.m. EDT -- Full Corn Moon. Sometimes also called the Fruit Moon; such monikers were used for a full moon that occurs during the first week of September, so as to keep the Harvest Moon from coming too early in the calendar. Oct. 4, 2:10 a.m. EDT -- Full Harvest Moon. Traditionally, this designation goes to the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal (fall) Equinox. The Harvest Moon usually comes in September, but sometimes it will fall in early October as is the case in 2009; the next time won't come until 2017. At the peak of the harvest, farmers can work into the night by the light of this moon.

Usually the full moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice -- the chief Indian staples -- are now ready for gathering. Nov. 2, 2:14 p.m. EST -- Full Beaver Moon. Now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon come from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. This is also called the Frosty Moon, and as this is also the next full moon after the Harvest Moon, it can also be referred to as the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt.

Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. Dec. 2, 2:30 a.m. EST -- Full Cold Moon. December is usually considered the month that the winter cold begins to fasten its grip. Dec. 31, 2:13 p.m. EST -- Full Long Night Moon. Nights are at their longest and darkest. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long and the moon is above the horizon a long time. The midwinter full moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low Sun. This is the second time the moon turns full in a calendar month, so it is also popularly known as a "Blue Moon." Full moons occur on average each 29.53 days (the length of the synodic month), or 12.3683 times per year; so months containing two full moons occur on average every 2.72 years, or every 2 years plus 8 or 9 months.

There will be a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from Europe, Africa and Asia with this full moon. At its maximum 7.6-percent of the moon's diameter will become immersed in the Earth’s dark umbral shadow. The Disappearing Moon: Why and Where it Hides Moon Mechanics: What Really Makes Our World Go 'Round Astrophotography 101 Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for The New York Times and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for News 12 Westchester, New York. Subscribe To SPACE.com Can you tell me the full moon names? | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky Can you tell me the full moon names? By EarthSky in Astronomy Essentials | Science Wire | May 21, 2016 For both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, full moons have names corresponding to calendar months or seasons of the year. Full moon over Rillings Hills near Colorado Springs, Colorado via Forrest Boutin Photography. Some almanacs like to give each month a special full moon name.

Other almanacs like to reference full moons relative to seasonal markers, as defined by equinoxes and solstices. Is one way better than the other? No. Both have their roots in folklore. Of course, both the monthly names and the seasonal names necessarily favor either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. That’s because the moon has different characteristics in the two hemispheres, at opposite times of year. For example, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. So it falls in September or October for the Northern Hemisphere, and it falls in March or April for the Southern Hemisphere. Find lists common full moon names, below.

Full moon via EarthSky Facebook friend Lee Capps Northern Hemisphere full moon names by month: January: Old Moon, Moon After Yule February: Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, Wolf Moon March: Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Lenten Moon April: Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Pink Moon May: Planting Moon, Milk Moon June: Rose Moon, Flower Moon, Strawberry Moon July: Thunder Moon, Hay Moon August: Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon September: Fruit Moon, Harvest Moon October: Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon November: Hunter’s Moon, Frosty Moon, or Beaver Moon December: Moon Before Yule, or Long Night Moon Southern Hemisphere full moon names by month: January: Hay Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Mead Moon February (mid-summer): Grain Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Red Moon, Wyrt Moon, Corn Moon, Dog Moon, Barley Moon March: Harvest Moon, Corn Moon April: Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon May: Hunter’s Moon, Beaver Moon, Frost Moon June: Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Long Night’s Moon July: Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Ice Moon August: Snow Moon, Storm Moon, Hunger Moon, Wolf Moon September: Worm Moon, Lenten Moon, Crow Moon

, Sugar Moon, Chaste Moon, Sap Moon October: Egg Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon, Pink Moon, Waking Moon November: Corn Moon, Milk Moon, Flower Moon, Hare Moon December: Strawberry Moon, Honey Moon, Rose Moon About once every 19 years, February has no full moon at all.

Moreover, in 7 out of every 19 years, two full moons will fall in the same calendar month. And in a year where February has no full moon at all, like in the year 2018, you can actually have two full moons in January and two full moons in March, in which case you have 8 calendar months with 2 full moons in one 19-year lunar cycle. The second of the month’s two full moons is popularly referred to as a Blue Moon. Read about the next Blue Moon. Full moon from EarthSky Facebook friend Fernando Alvarenga in San Salvador.

Full moon names by season (Northern or Southern Hemisphere): After the winter solstice: Old Moon, or Moon After Yule Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, or Wolf Moon Sap Moon, Crow Moon or Lenten Moon After the spring equinox: Grass Moon, or Egg Moon Planting Moon, or Milk Moon Rose Moon, Flower Moon, or Strawberry Moon After the summer solstice: Thunder Moon, or Hay Moon Green Corn Moon, or Grain Moon Fruit Moon, or Harvest Moon After the autumnal equinox: Harvest Moon, or Hunter’s Moon Hunter’s Moon, Frosty Moon, or Beaver Moon Moon Before Yule, or Long Night Moon There are usually three full moons in between an equinox and a solstice, or vice versa. Seven times in 19 years, four full moons fall in a single season. In that case, the third of a season’s four full moons is also called a Blue Moon. The next Blue Moon by this definition is happening on May 21, 2016 . Full moon via Michelle Eve Photography Photo via EarthSky Facebook friend Patricia Smith Mims Bottom line: Northern and Southern Hemisphere full moon names, listed first by month and then by season.

Full Moon Names and Meanings Moon Posters Full Moon Names and Meanings Many human cultures have given names to the full moon throughout the year. Different full moon names can be found among the Chinese, Celtic, Old English, and New Guinea cultures, to name a few. In addition, Native American tribes often used moon phases and cycles to keep track of the seasons and gave a unique name to each recurring full moon. The full moon names were used to identify the entire month during which each occurred. Although many Native American Tribes gave distinct names to the full moon, the most well known names of the full moon come from the Algonquin tribes who lived in the area of New England and westward to Lake Superior. The Algonquin tribes had perhaps the greatest effect on the early European settlers in America, and the settlers adopted the Native American habit of naming the moons. They even invented some of their own names that have been passed down through time. The names given below aren't the only ones that have been used. Every full moon, with one exception, had variations on its name among various Algonquin tribes, not to mention other tribes throughout North America. But the names below are the most common. Some of the variations are also mentioned.

January: The Wolf Moon In January snow gathers deep in the woods and the howling of wolves can be heard echoing in the cold still air. Some tribes called this moon the Snow Moon, but most often it was used for the next month. February: The Snow Moon Snow piles even higher in February, giving this moon its most common name. Among tribes that used this name for the January moon, the February moon was called the Hunger Moon due to the challenging hunting conditions. March: The Worm Moon Snow slowly begins to melt, the ground softens, and earthworms show their heads again and their castings or fecal matter can be found. Other signs of spring gave rise to other variations: the cawing of crows (the Crow Moon); the formation of crusts on the snow from repeated thawing and freezing (the Crust Moon); and the time for tapping maple trees (the Sap Moon). Christian settlers also called this the Lenten Moon and considered it the last moon of winter. April: The Pink Moon Flowers begin to appear, including the widespread grass pink or wild ground phlox. Other variations indicate more signs of full spring, such as Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon (common among coastal tribes).

May: The Flower Moon Flowers come into full bloom and corn is ready to plant. Also called the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. June: The Strawberry Moon Strawberry-picking season reaches its peak during this time. This is one of the few names that was universal to all Algonquin tribes. July: The Buck Moon Buck deer start growing velvety hair-covered antlers in July. Frequent thunderstorms in the New England area also resulted in the name Thunder Moon. Some tribes also used Hay Moon. August: The Sturgeon Moon The sturgeon, a large fish common to the Great Lakes and other nearby bodies of water, is most easily caught during this month. The reddish appearance of the moon through the frequent sultry hazes of August also prompted a few tribes to dub it the Red Moon. Other names included the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon. September: The Harvest Moon Many of the Native American tribes' staple foods, such as corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and rice, are ready for gathering at this time. The strong light of the Harvest Moon allowed European farmers to work late into the night to harvest their crops. The Harvest Moon does not always occur in September.

Traditionally, the name goes to the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, which falls during October once or twice a decade. Sometimes the September full moon was called the Corn Moon. October: The Hunter's Moon After the fields have been reaped, the leaves begin to fall and the deer are fat and ready for eating. Hunters can ride easily over the fields' stubble, and the fox and other animals are more easily spotted. Some years the Harvest Moon falls in October instead of September. November: The Beaver Moon At this time of year the beavers are busy preparing for winter, and it's time to set beaver traps and secure a store of warm fur before the swamps freeze over. Some tribes called this the Frosty Moon. December: The Cold Moon Winter takes a firm hold and temperatures plummet at this time. Sometimes this moon is also called the Long Night Moon as the winter nights lengthen and the moon spends more time above the horizon opposite a low sun. The full moon name often used by Christian settlers is the "Moon before Yule". Blue Moon Note that due to the 29-day lunar cycle the exact dates of the full moon move every year.

Most seasons have three full moons, but because of the variation some seasons have four full moons. The term "blue moon" was used to identify one of these extra full moons. A mistaken definition in the March 1946 edition of Sky and Telescope magazine claimed the blue moon fell on the second full moon of the calendar month. This mistake caused widespread misunderstanding until it was finally corrected in 1999. Full Moons of 2015: Their Names and Meanings Full Moons of 2015: Their Names and Meanings By Joe Rao, SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist | January 15, 2015 07:27am ET MORE Astronaut Terry Virts took this image of the full moon setting from the ISS. Credit: NASA/Terry Virts While most full moons of the year look similar, they each have unique names. Full moon names date back to Native Americans, living in what is now the northern and eastern United States. Those tribes of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred.

There were some variations in the moon names, but in general, the same ones were used among the Algonquin tribes from New England on west to Lake Superior. European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is roughly 29.5 days in length on average, the dates of the full moon shift from year to year. [ 10 Stargazing Events in 2015 ] Here are the names, dates and times of every full moon in 2015: Full Wolf Moon, Jan. 4, 11:53 p.m. EST (0453 Jan. 5 GMT) — Amid the freezing cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. It was also known as the Old Moon or the "Moon after Yule." In some tribes, this was the Full Snow Moon, however, most applied that name to the next moon. Full Snow Moon, Feb. 3, 6:09 p.m. EST (2309 GMT) — Usually the heaviest snows fall in this month each year. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some tribes this was the Full Hunger Moon.

Full Worm Moon, March 5, 1:05 p.m. EST (1805 GMT) — In this month, the ground softens and the earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signals the end of winter, or the Full Crust Moon because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. Full Pink Moon, April 4, 8:06 a.m. EDT (1206 GMT) —The wild ground phlox is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this moon were the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon and — among coastal tribes — the Full Fish Moon, when the shad came upstream to spawn. This month will also feature a total lunar eclipse , which is set to occur early in the morning with the duration of totality lasting less than 5 minutes. Across the eastern half of the United States, the moon will appear to set while it is progressing into the Earth’s dark shadow.

From Minnesota south to Louisiana, the moon will set during the very short total phase, while for much of the western United States the moon will be exiting the umbra when it sets. This is also the Paschal Full Moon — the first full moon of the spring season. The first Sunday following the Paschal Moon is Easter Sunday, which indeed will be observed the very next day on Sunday, April 5. Full Flower Moon, May 3, 11:42 p.m. EDT (0342 May 4 GMT) —Flowers are abundant everywhere in May. It was also known as the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon. Full Strawberry Moon, June 2, 12:19 p.m. EDT (1519 GMT) — Europeans called it the Rose Moon. Full Buck Moon, July 1, 10:20 p.m. EDT (1420 GMT) —In July, the new antlers of buck deer push out from their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, thunderstorms being now most frequent. Sometimes it is also called the Full Hay Moon.

[ See amazing photos of a total lunar eclipse ] Blue Moon , July 31, 6:43 a.m. EDT (1043 GMT) — The second full moon occurring within a calendar month is usually given this title. Although the name suggests that to have two full moons in a single month is a rather rare occurrence, it actually occurs once about every three years on average. Full Sturgeon Moon, Aug. 29, 2:35 p.m. EDT (1835 GMT) —In August, the large sturgeon of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water like Lake Champlain is most readily caught. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because the moon rises looking reddish through sultry haze. Other names are the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. Full Harvest Moon, Sept. 27, 10:50 p.m. EDT (1450 GMT) —The Full Harvest Moon is always the full moon occurring nearest to the Autumnal Equinox. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans and wild rice — the chief Indian staples — are now ready for gathering.

A total lunar eclipse will be visible in its entirety across the eastern half of North America this month. The eclipse will already be in progress at moonrise across the western half of the country. The U.S. West Coast will see most of the moon within the dark umbra of Earth as it rises. Canada’s Pacific Coast will see the moon in total eclipse at moonrise. This will also be the largest full moon of 2015, as it will also be at perigee later this day, at 7:00 a.m., at a distance of 221,753 miles (356,877 kilometers) from Earth. Full Hunter’s Moon, Oct. 27, 8:05 a.m. EDT (1205 GMT) —With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox as well as the other animals that have come out to glean — all of which can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. Full Beaver Moon, Nov. 25, 5:44 p.m.

EST (2244 GMT) — Time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. It is also called the Frosty Moon. Full Cold Moon, Dec. 25, 6:11 a.m. EST (1111 GMT) —Among some tribes, this moon was called the Full Long Nights Moon . In this month, the winter cold fastens its grip, and the nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the “Moon before Yule” (Yule is Christmas, and this time the Moon is only just before it). The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long and the moon is above the horizon a long time. The midwinter full moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low sun. Editor's note: If you have an amazing skywatching photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com .

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmer's Almanac and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for News 12 Westchester, N.Y. Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com . Baby traditions: Chinese full moon celebration - BabyCenter Baby traditions: Chinese full moon celebration Share Baby traditions Baby traditions: welcoming a new baby. According to Chinese custom, when a baby turns one month old , a ceremony is held to celebrate her first full month of life (the Chinese term translates as "full moon" or "full month"). This coincides with the end of the new mum's confinement period , and both mother and baby are formally introduced to the extended family and friends. For many of them, this will be the first time they are meeting the new baby. Before the unveiling party, the baby traditionally undergoes a host of rituals. Once that is over, a party is held to celebrate the health of the baby. Relatives and friends gather to give their blessings and gifts to the new baby, and traditional treats such as ang ku kueh and red eggs are on the menu.

Full moon parties today run the gamut from full-fledged catered events, with a buffet spread for guests, to smaller family-only get-togethers. Parents normally host the celebration at home if they have the space, or book and rent a venue (hotel or large restaurant) to accommodate everyone. What do I serve at my baby's full month celebration? Traditional cakes and eggs, dyed red to symbolise good luck and fortune, are given or sent to relatives and friends. Eggs are chosen as they represent fertility and their shape symbolises harmony. It is believed that if you have a boy, you give out an odd number of eggs; if you have a girl, you give out an even number of eggs. According to word of mouth on Hokkien tradition, if you have a son, plain round ang ku kuehs (red glutinous peanut cakes) are given out, and if you have a girl, you mould the ang ku into the traditional tortoise moulds, which are more intricate and delicate. In bigger cities such as Kuala Lumpur, you can now find catering companies, trendy cafes and even bakeries that provide full moon packages.

They have a menu according to your budget, but will usually include traditional ang ku and red eggs. Some food options include cakes, chocolate, glutinous rice cakes, cupcakes and pastries. Some outfits even provide delivery of customised food boxes. Do I need to observe all the traditional customs? This is up to you, your husband and family. Some families hold fast to traditional ideas; others find it more practical to do things differently. For example, tradition dictates that you shave your baby's head , but many parents don't observe this practice anymore. Instead, they trim a little bit of hair off, to symbolise the shedding of the birth hair (sometimes referred to as "hair from the womb"). After the first hair cut, both the mother and the baby bathe in water mixed with pomelo leaves, to symbolically wash off evil vibes or negative influences. You are meant to wrap your baby's hair in a piece of red cloth and sew it to his pillow to help calm him down. Some traditional-minded parents who shave the baby's entire head will use the hair from this first hair cut to make a special calligraphy brush, engraved with wishes of wisdom, health and happiness.

Another age-old practice is dressing your baby up in gold-coloured attire and "presenting" him to his ancestors at the family altar. If you haven't named your baby yet, tradition dictates that the paternal grandfather picks a suitable name. Choosing your baby's name is an important Chinese custom as it is believed it will determine your baby's character. Some parents even consult a fortune teller to help them pick a prosperous name. One custom you may be happy to hold fast to is accepting ang pau or hongbao (red packets) and jewellery for the baby, from relatives and friends. Today, parents and the newborn receive modern gifts too, such as baby clothes , toys , books and gift vouchers. It's like a Western baby shower , only celebrated a month after baby's birth! Read BabyCenter mum Michelle's account of her baby Zachary's full moon celebration . Talk to other mums who are planning their babies' full moon parties! Find them today in our Parenting forum. advertisement

Question: A ‘Flower Moon’ is the traditional name for the first full moon of which month of the year?
Answer: May