The full moon has captivated observers for centuries, inspiring a rich tapestry of names that reflect the changing seasons and natural phenomena. Each name carries a story, a glimpse into the seasonal patterns and challenges faced by communities throughout history.
The February Full Moon
The “Snow Moon” refers to the full moon that occurs in the month of February. A full moon happens when the Moon is positioned directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective, allowing its entire near side to be fully illuminated by sunlight. This alignment causes the Moon to appear as a complete, bright disk in the night sky. While the exact moment of peak illumination can vary, the Moon typically appears full for about three days centered around this time. Observers can often see it rising in the east around sunset and reaching its highest point near midnight.
Origins of the “Snow Moon” Name
The name “Snow Moon” primarily originates from the traditions of various Native American tribes. February was historically characterized by significant snowfall in many regions of what is now the United States. This period often brought the heaviest snows of the year, making travel and hunting particularly challenging. The name thus directly reflects these harsh winter conditions, highlighting the snow as the most prominent feature of the month.
European settlers later adopted and popularized some of these names, further embedding them into common usage. Historical accounts, such as those from Captain Jonathan Carver in the 1760s after visiting the Naudowessie (Dakota) people, note that the February full moon was called the Snow Moon because “more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter.”
Other Names and Their Meanings
Beyond the “Snow Moon,” the February full moon has been known by several other names, reflecting diverse cultural observations and the specific conditions or activities of the season. Many of these alternative names highlight the scarcity of food and the severe weather that characterized late winter. For example, some Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, called it the “Hunger Moon” or “Bony Moon,” signifying the difficulty of finding sustenance during this lean time of year.
Other names, like “Storm Moon” or “Ice Moon,” were also used, emphasizing the intense winter weather. Animal behaviors also inspired names; the Ojibwe and Tlingit tribes referred to it as the “Bear Moon” or “Black Bear Moon,” as this was the time when bear cubs were typically born. The “Goose Moon” or “Moon When Geese Come Home” was used by tribes like the Haida and Omaha, noting the early return of geese. These varied names collectively illustrate how different communities across North America tracked time and seasons through the moon’s cycles.