The Moon is a mesmerising spectacle in the night sky, and our natural satellite plays a major part in many processes back on Earth, starting with its direct influence on ocean tides. Besides, lunar phases are easier to track, which is why many ancient and aboriginal calendars are based on lunar cycles rather than solar days. Not surprisingly, different peoples gave these phases different moon names, many of which, such as Buck Moon, Harvest, or Sturgeon Moon are still preserved today. Below, we will discuss full moon names and meanings in different cultures, along with actual dates for 2024.
Full Moon Names 2024 and Beyond
Full moon, also called plenilune, has been traditionally given the most important meaning, partly because full lunar phases are easiest to track. Some of the most common names for each calendar month are:
● January — Wolf Moon: this name comes from the howling of wolves, often heard at this time of year. In 2024, this cycle began on Jan 25.
● February — Snow Moon: got this name for the typically heavy snowfall during this season, and in 2024, visible on Feb 24.
● March — Worm Moon: this name is associated with earthworms appearing as the soil thaws, and in 2024, this phase started on March 25.
● April — Pink Moon: the name was coined after the pink phlox flowers that bloom in early spring; in 2024, this phase became fully apparent on April 23.
● May — Flower Moon: this name is associated with the blooming of flowers and the height of spring. In 2024, this cycle began on May 23.
● June — Strawberry Moon: the name comes from the ripening strawberries and started on June 21 this year.
● July — Buck Moon: called after a season when male deer grow new antlers, this plenilune entered full force on July 21.
● August — Sturgeon Moon: a Northern American name associated with sturgeon fish movement in lakes and rivers. In 2024, the Sturgeon moon phase will begin on Aug 19.
● September — Harvest Moon: occurring closest to the autumn equinox and marking the traditional harvesting time, this phase will start on Sept 18 2024.
● October — Hunter’s Moon: name coined after a traditional hunting season, with animals fattened for the winter. In 2024, this cycle will begin on Oct 17.
● November — Beaver Moon: named for the time when beavers finish preparations for winter and starting on Nov 15 this year.
● December — Cold Moon: the name clearly reflects long, cold winter nights; in 2024, this phase will begin on Dec 15.
Of course, this is not a complete moon names list because, depending on local climate specifics, cultural names differ from one region to another. For example, what is a wolf moon? A space news and analytics platform Orbital Today explains that the first plenilune of the year is also called Stay Home and Quiet Moon, while the next name, Snow, had alternatives like Storm, Bear, or Hungry — all reflecting local regalia in different corners of the globe.
This already answers the question what are the names of the full moons in 2024? And now, let’s focus on warmer, more cheerful months and discuss a few popular plenilune names you definitely heard before.
Is there a pink moon in 2024?
Yes, every April we get to enjoy this phase associated with phlox flower blossom. However, you should not be confused by this name — the lunar disc itself does not appear pink. It’s true that sometimes, our satellite may acquire a reddish hue (less often, a copper red or orange), but this phenomenon has to do with light scattering in our atmosphere. Most often, red tint is caused by a lunar eclipse or when our satellite passes through thicker layers of our planet’s atmosphere, which scatters blue light wavelengths but allows reddish hues to penetrate.
What is a buck full moon?
In different cultures, Buck Moon’s meaning is associated with renewal and growth — not only because in July bucks start growing new antlers, but also because crops are actively ripening during this time. This meaning is also reflected in astrology, signifying a period of strength and vigour, and is typically associated with new life cycles.
What is a sturgeon moon?
This phase got its name from Native American and early colonial settlers. In Europe, traditional names for August pleniline are Lynx, Grain, Corn, and Lighting — all reflecting natural phenomena and agricultural traditions of the area. This is the last summer plenilune before the harvest season and the time for festivals and appreciation of one’s hard efforts.
Now, what about a Blue Moon, you may wonder? What month is it associated with? Well, this lunar phase does not have a specific calendar month for two reasons. First, the calendar months we use are based on solar cycles, which give us 12 months a year. A complete lunar phase lasts around 29.5 days, so once every 2–3 years, we get an additional lunar month — and this phase is called blue. That should also explain why the ‘once in a blue moon’ expression refers to something rare and out-of-the-ordinary!
