The Full Moon is a mesmerizing celestial event that has fascinated humanity for centuries. When the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, the Moon appears fully illuminated, gracing our night sky with its radiant beauty. This phenomenon occurs roughly once a month, or every 29.53 days on average. In 2024, we will be treated to 12 full moons, one for each month. Interestingly, while three full moons will occur in each season, one season will be special, witnessing four full moons instead.
The Full Moon on June 21, is commonly known as the Strawberry Moon, and it is one of the sweetest celestial events of the year. But why does the June full Moon have such a berry-licious name, and what other names are associated with this astronomical event in different cultures around the world?
A Brief Month of Berries
The June Full Moon got the name “Strawberry Moon” from various North American native tribes because the wild strawberry (Freaches peak ripeness and is ready for harvesting in June. This berry is widespread throughout the lower 48 states, Canada, and Alaska and is an important spring edible as one of the earliest ripening berries. Due to the significance of the wild strawberry as a spring food staple, the name “Strawberry Moon” was given to the June full Moon by several Indigenous tribes.
While you might be familiar with the term Strawberry moon, did you know that different cultures often have names for the June full Moon based on their gardening practices and regional plant growth? In addition to the Strawberry Moon:
Ojibwe: Flowering Moon or Garden Moon
Cherokee: Plants in Garden Are Sprouting Moon
Various Farmers and Tribes: Green Corn Moon (note: different from September’s Corn Moon)
Neo-Pagan Religions: Planting Moon
In more northern areas, June may be too early for garden plants to sprout or berries to ripen, but trees begin to bloom after long winter months. For example:
Cree (Northern Plains and Canada): Moon When Leaves Come Out
Not only are there plant names, but as with other full moon nomenclatures, the Strawberry Moon is named after seasonal changes and nature:
Choctaw (Southern Great Plains): Windy Moon (after seasonal weather patterns and spring storms)
Anglo-Saxon Traditions: Honey Moon or Mead Moon (time to mow meadows)
Europe: Rose Moon (full blossoming of roses)
China: Lotus Moon
Inupiat and Tlingit (Alaska): Moon of Birthing (many northern animals give birth in June)
Arapaho (Great Plains): Moon When the Buffalo Bellows (mating calls of buffalo)
Omaha (Nebraska): Moon When the Buffalo Bulls Hunt the Cows
Even simple weather can be part of full Moon names:
Various Regions: Hot Moon (indicates the beginning of summer, especially if the Full Moon occurs later in the month)
Southern Hemisphere and Southern Africa: Cold Moon (approaching winter solstice)
As we prepare to witness the Strawberry Moon on June 21, right after the Summer Solstice on June 20, we are reminded of the deep connection between celestial events and the rhythms of nature. The solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, a time when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This is a moment of celebration, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the warmth of summer.
So, mark your calendars and keep your eyes on the sky for the Summer Solstice at 16:50:20 on June 20 and the Full Strawberry Moon on June 21.
These events are not just astronomical occurrences but are also woven into the cultural and natural tapestry of our world. Embrace these moments, and let them inspire you to connect more deeply with the cycles of nature and the traditions that celebrate them.
Whether you're observing the Moon when Leaves Come Out, the Rose Moon, or the Moon When the Buffalo Bellows, remember that each full moon carries its unique story and significance. Let the Strawberry Moon remind you of the sweetness of life and the beauty that surrounds us every day.
Happy sky-watching! 🌕✨
If You Like This Blog, You Will Also Like:
"Embracing Lunar Energy: A Gentle Guide to Moon Work" – Understanding Moon Phases: Let's journey through the phases of the Moon with tenderness.
"Changes Are Coming" – Throughout the year there will 8 Zoom meetups where we will celebrate the points of the year.
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