Hey, everyone. It’s hard to believe we’re at the twelfth and final post in a series on Native American names for full moons. If you’ve missed any of the others, here’s the list.
- The Wolf Moon (January)
- The Snow Moon (February)
- The Worm Moon (March)
- The Pink Moon (April)
- The Flower Moon (May)
- The Strawberry Moon (June)
- The Thunder Moon (July)
- The Sturgeon Moon (August)
- The Harvest Moon (September)
- The Hunter’s Moon (October)
- The Beaver Moon (November)
The December full moon is aptly named the Cold Moon. This is the month when winter fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark.
Interesting Facts
- Other names for the December full moon include the Long Night Moon, the Little Spirit Moon, and Hoar Frost Moon.
- The full moon was believed to make people go crazy. The word “lunatic” was used to describe a person who was considered mentally ill, dangerous, foolish, or unpredictable – conditions once attributed to lunacy. The word derives from the Latin word “lunaticus” meaning “moonstruck.”
- Winter moons often seem the brighter. This is because the earth is closer to the sun during the winter months.
- A ring around the moon is an indication rain will soon occur. This isn’t just weatherlore, but due to a reflection of light on ice crystals in thin wispy cirrus clouds.
- The full moon is often thought of as an event of a full night’s duration, but this is misleading because the Moon seen from Earth is continuously becoming larger or smaller (though much too slowly to notice with the naked eye). Its absolute maximum size occurs at the moment when the expansion has stopped.
- This year’s Cold Moon occurred Saturday, December 18.
- The Winter Solstice is Tuesday, December 21.
Superstition
It is lucky to hold a moonstone in your mouth at the full moon; it will reveal the future.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series of posts about the names of the moons. I certainly enjoyed writing them and hate to see this time come to an end. However, I have something new planned for 2022.
Do you have a favorite moon name or season? Please share in the comments. And now, I’ll leave you with a video.
38 Responses
Great post, Joan! There’s so much that’s fascinating about nature and the universe.
Thanks, Sheri. I agree nature is fascinating.
You’re very welcome!
It’s great.. as long as it’s not trying to kill you.
True.
I loved this series, Joan, being a fellow moon lover. The cold moon was spectacular this year as it rose above the trees. I wish I’d gotten a picture.
It was beautiful here, Denise. Sadly, I didn’t get a picture either.
This was a great series, Joan. I’m not a fan of cold weather, so the cold moon isn’t my favorite. I always liked the pink moon. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t like cold weather either, Jill. But the good news is after the winter solstice, the days start getting longer and moving toward spring. The Pink Moon is lovely.
The cold moon was so bright this year! Happy winter solstice.:-)
It certainly was bright. Happy winter solstice to you as well, Priscilla.
Great series on moons. My favourite is the Harvest moon. I love how close and big and orange it is. Thanks for sharing, Joan. Happy holidays 🎄💕🙂
The Harvest Moon is my favorite as well, Harmony. It’s the first one I knew of that had a name. Plus I love autumn. Happy Holidays!
This was an interesting series. Glad you found something new to fill the gap in the coming year.
Thanks? Craig. I hope readers will like what I have in mind.
I’ll bet they do.
I have loved this moon series, Joan. I’ve learned new things and gotten a few chuckles along the way at some of the superstitions. Thank you for sharing! Happy Winter Solstice!
Some of those superstitions are hilarious, Jan. I have to say the one about the rabbit’s foot from last month takes top prize. 🙂
I would have to agree with you!
😀
I really enjoyed your moon series, Joan. What a great ending post. Each month was a treat! 🙂
Thanks so much, Mae. Seems like only yesterday I wrote the first one.
I’m so glad I’ve gotten back into my blog reading! Looks like I need to go back and catch up on this series. Such a great idea, Joan! Thanks so much for enlightening us!! 🙂
I had a lot of fun with these posts, Mar. My current Legends of Madeira series have elements of legends involving the moon.
Oh how perfect!!
I enjoyed the moon series, Joan. I think I like the Harvest moon the best. There is something about seeing the fruits of labor being brought in. Of course, all the moons have great stories.
Totally agree with you about the Harvest Moon, John. Not to mention a pretty good song by Neil Young. 🙂 But I love how each of the moon names correspond with the month and season.
I do too. Thanks for the knowledge this year, Joan. Looking forward to what you plan for 2022.
I enjoyed your moon series, Joan. I looked out at the moon the other night and thought, Joan will have a post coming for this. I can’t wait to see what you have for us next year.
And it was a bright moon here! Hoping everyone will enjoy my upcoming series.
This was such a fun series, Joan! I never knew there were so many different types of moons. I also didn’t know about the ring around the moon indicating rain. Now I’ll be looking for it.
I had fun researching and writing this series, Teri. For years I’d heard about the ring around the moon meaning rain and figured it was an old wives tale. Imagine my surprise when I learned there are scientific reasons for that happening.
I like the name Little Spirit Moon- I could see a story coming out of that 🙂
Happy holidays, Joan!
Ooh, I can see that as well. Happy Holidays to you too, Jacquie!
I’ve really appreciated this series, Joan, and learned so much. I now live in an area where the night sky is extraordinary, and I follow the moon through its cycle. Thank you for sharing as you have and Merry Christmas. ✨✨✨
You’re blessed to live in an area without lots of interference from artificial light. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
This series has been so much fun. I, like you, hate to see it come to an end.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’ll like what I have planned for next year.
I’m sure it will be something special.