January
Full Wolf Moon – Jan 12, 6:34 a.m.
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 – Feb 10, 7:33 p.m.
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 – Mar 12, 10:54 a.m.
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 – Apr 11, 2:08 a.m.
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 – May 10, 5:43 p.m.
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 – June 9, 9:10 a.m.
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 – July 9, 12:07 a.m.
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 – Aug 7, 2:11 p.m.
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 – Sept 6, 3:03 a.m
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 – Oct 5, 2:40 p.m.
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 – Nov 4, 12:23 a.m.
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 – Dec 3, 10:47 a.m.
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.
