The “Strawberry Moon” is a popular name for the full moon that occurs in June, capturing public interest each year.
The Origin of the “Strawberry Moon” Name
The name “Strawberry Moon” originates from various Indigenous cultures in North America, particularly the Algonquin tribes. These Indigenous peoples traditionally named full moons based on natural events or seasonal changes occurring at that time. For the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, the June full moon coincided with the peak of the wild strawberry harvesting season in northeastern North America.
The name served as a practical indicator, guiding these tribes in their seasonal activities and ensuring the timely gathering of these ripe berries. It signifies a period of abundance and the beginning of summer’s bounty. The practice of naming moons after such seasonal markers was a fundamental way for communities to track time and agricultural cycles long before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
When and How It Appears
The Strawberry Moon is simply the full moon that occurs in June each year. It is typically the last full moon of spring or the first of summer, often aligning with the summer solstice. Despite its evocative name, the moon does not actually appear red or pink like a strawberry. This is a common misconception, as the name is purely descriptive of the harvest season.
Any reddish or orange hue observed when viewing the moon, including the Strawberry Moon, is due to a phenomenon called atmospheric scattering, also known as Rayleigh scattering. When the moon is low on the horizon, its light must travel through a greater amount of Earth’s atmosphere. During this passage, shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, are scattered more effectively by air molecules and particles, allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to pass through to our eyes. This effect is similar to why sunsets and sunrises often appear red or orange, and it is not unique to the June full moon but can occur with any full moon when viewed near the horizon.
Other Names for the June Full Moon
The June full moon has been given various names by different cultures and regions around the world, reflecting diverse interpretations and natural occurrences. In Europe, it is frequently called the “Rose Moon,” likely due to the blooming of roses during this period. This name symbolizes the beauty and abundance of nature in early summer. Another European name is the “Honey Moon” or “Mead Moon,” which may refer to the honey harvesting season or the tradition of June weddings, where honey-based mead was consumed. The term “honeymoon” for the post-wedding trip is believed to have originated from this association.
Other Indigenous names for the June full moon include the “Berries Ripen Moon” by the Haida, the “Green Corn Moon” by the Cherokee and other tribes, noting the emergence of important crops, and the “Hot Moon,” referring to the onset of summer heat.