The full moon names assigned to each month date back to Native American and early European traditions. Each name carries symbolic significance, often tied to seasonal changes, animal behavior, or cultural lore. Understanding these names reveals unique insights into the natural world and how ancient communities tracked time and anticipated seasonal shifts. Below, discover what each full moon represents in 2024.

January – The Wolf Moon

The year begins with the Wolf Moon, named after the howls echoing from wolf packs during the coldest month. For Native American tribes, wolves’ calls symbolized the deep winter, evoking resilience and survival amid frigid conditions. Other tribes called it the Cold Moon, Center Moon, or Old Moon, reflecting the harsh winter season’s challenges and the start of a new year.

February – The Snow Moon

February’s full moon is the Snow Moon, which is named after the heavy snowfall typical during this month. Hunting became difficult under such conditions, earning this moon alternative names like the Hunger Moon or Full Hunger Moon. Many tribes associated this month with scarce resources, marking a period of endurance. It was also known as the Bear Moon or Bald Eagle Moon, celebrating animals adapted to these challenging winter conditions.

Credit: Star Walk | February’s full moon is the Snow Moon, named after the heavy snowfall that occurs during this month.

March – The Worm Moon

As the ground begins to thaw in March, the Worm Moon signals the return of earthworms, symbolizing rebirth and the onset of spring. Earthworms appear in the softening soil, attracting robins back to the land. Northern tribes referred to this full moon as the Crow Moon, marking the end of winter, or the Crust Moon, highlighting the snow’s frozen, crusty surface as days warm and nights chill.

April – The Pink Moon

April’s Pink Moon celebrates the first blooms of spring, specifically the wild ground phlox. This moon heralds the flowering season, when grass and wildflowers sprout, symbolizing growth and renewal. Other names include the Sprouting Grass Moon and the Fish Moon, representing the spawning season for river fish. As the first full moon of spring, it also serves as the Paschal Moon, linking to Easter traditions in some cultures.

May – The Flower Moon

May’s Flower Moon speaks to the abundance of blossoms as spring reaches full bloom. This moon embodies vibrancy, renewal, and life flourishing everywhere. Known also as the Milk Moon and Corn Planting Moon, it celebrates agricultural cycles and natural beauty. For many Native American tribes, this moon heralded the beginning of planting season, aligning with the agricultural rhythms of the time.

June – The Strawberry Moon

June’s Strawberry Moon signals the peak strawberry harvest. This moon’s name comes from the Algonquin tribes, who noted the abundance of ripening strawberries at this time. Other names include the Green Corn Moon and the Birth Moon, reflecting early summer’s promise. For many, this moon is a reminder of nature’s bounty and the fruits of patient growth.

July – The Buck Moon

July’s Buck Moon marks the growth of new antlers on young deer bucks, symbolizing vitality and development. Many tribes saw this moon as a reminder of nature’s cycles of renewal. This month, called the Thunder Moon due to frequent summer storms, reflected the intensity of mid-summer. Some called it the Hay Moon, aligning with the season’s agricultural rhythms and the hay harvest.

August – The Sturgeon Moon

The August Sturgeon Moon signifies the season when these large fish are most easily caught in lakes and rivers. The name originates from the fishing practices of tribes around the Great Lakes. Other tribes called it the Red Moon due to the haze coloring the moon during this hot month. This moon represents nature’s abundance, particularly in areas rich with rivers and lakes.

@nomercy.visuals | Instagram | The August Sturgeon Moon signifies the season when these large fish are most easily caught in lakes and rivers.

September – The Harvest Moon

September’s Harvest Moon is one of the most celebrated, as it marks the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. This moon allowed farmers to continue their harvest late into the night. Its consistent early rising provides additional light, supporting the busy season. Traditionally, this moon supported gathering crops like pumpkins, squash, and wild rice, reinforcing its significance in agricultural communities.

October – The Hunter’s Moon

Following the harvest season, the October Hunter’s Moon signaled the time for hunting. Hunters could better spot deer and other animals with fields clear of crops. This moon represents preparation and abundance as communities would gather food for the winter ahead. Clear, cool October nights and the Hunter’s Moon marked the close of the harvest season and the arrival of autumn’s chill.

November – The Beaver Moon

November’s Beaver Moon reflects a time when beavers prepare for winter, building sturdy lodges and gathering food. Many tribes used this moon as a signal to set beaver traps, ensuring a supply of warm furs for winter. Other names include the Frost Moon, celebrating the first frost, and the Freezing Moon, acknowledging the season’s frigid temperatures.

December – The Cold Moon

The December Cold Moon captures the depth of winter’s chill and the year’s longest nights. Some call it the Long Night Moon, reflecting the season’s extended darkness and colder days. The Cold Moon symbolizes the year’s end, a period for reflection and preparation for the year to come, as nature hunkers down for winter.