The Snow Moon is the traditional name given to the Full Moon occurring in February. This designation is part of a historical system used to mark the passage of time according to the lunar cycle. Each moniker reflects the seasonal conditions of the Northern Hemisphere, serving as a simple and effective calendar for observing yearly changes in weather and nature.
The Origin of the “Snow Moon” Designation
The name “Snow Moon” originated primarily from Native American tribes in the northern and eastern United States, and was later adopted by Colonial Americans. This designation directly references the typical weather pattern of February, which historically experiences the heaviest snowfall of the entire winter season in many areas. The accumulation of snow often peaked during this mid-winter month, making travel and daily activities extremely challenging.
This environmental context was recorded by early European explorers, such as Captain Jonathan Carver in the 1760s, who noted the local Naudowessie (Dakota) people referred to this time as the Snow Moon. The heavy snowpack and frigid temperatures created a scarcity of resources, as deep snow made hunting nearly impossible and movement was severely restricted. This hardship established the Snow Moon as a practical, meteorological marker within the annual cycle.
Alternative Names from Different Traditions
The February Full Moon has many alternative names reflecting diverse cultural experiences across various regions. One common alternative is the “Hunger Moon” or “Bony Moon,” used by tribes like the Cherokee, referencing the limited food supply during the harsh winter. February often marked the time when stored provisions were at their lowest ebb.
Other names focus on natural occurrences. The Ojibwe and Tlingit peoples used the title “Bear Moon” or “Black Bear Moon,” corresponding with the birth of bear cubs while adults were still in their dens. The Cree people used the name “Bald Eagle Moon” to mark the return of the eagles to their nesting grounds.
European traditions contributed names like the “Storm Moon” or “Ice Moon,” emphasizing the intense cold and blizzards common in February. Early European colonists sometimes used the name “Trapper’s Moon,” recognizing the peak season for trapping furbearing animals. These varied names highlight how different cultures tracked important seasonal events and subsistence patterns.
When Does the Snow Moon Occur?
The Snow Moon occurs when the Moon reaches its full phase during February, making it the second Full Moon of the calendar year. A full moon occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, illuminating the entire face visible from Earth. This celestial alignment happens approximately every 29.5 days, which is the length of one lunar cycle.
Because the lunar cycle is shorter than a typical calendar month, the exact date of the Snow Moon shifts slightly each year. It is possible, though rare, for February to pass without a full moon, an occurrence sometimes referred to as a “Black Moon.” This happens about once every 19 years when the lunar timing pushes the February Full Moon into early March.
The Snow Moon is situated between the Wolf Moon of January and the Worm Moon of March in the sequence of traditional full moon names. Observing the moon on the night it reaches peak illumination provides the best view, though it appears completely full to the casual observer for about three days centered around the full phase.