2023 Full Moon Calendar & Moon Meanings
Traditional full moon names often reflect the changing seasons and nature. Many cultures have used these names, but the ones most commonly referred to today originate from the Native American tribes of North America. It’s important to note that these names can vary across different cultures and regions. The moon doesn’t physically change, but the names reflect the cultural significance of each full moon in the context of the year’s cycle and seasonal change. Here are the some of the traditional names for each full moon throughout the year:
Wolf Moon - Jan 6, 2023
Amid winter’s cold and deep snows, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside villages, thus the name.
Snow Moon - Feb 5, 2023
February typically had the heaviest snowfalls, hence this full moon’s name.
Worm Moon - Mar 7, 2023
As temperatures warm, the ground begins to soften, and earthworms appear, drawing hungry birds and signaling the start of spring.
Pink Moon - Apr 6, 2023
Named after the pink flowers (wild ground phlox) that bloom in early spring. It’s also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or Fish Moon in different cultures.
Flower Moon - May 5, 2023
Flowers spring forth across the land in abundance this month.
Strawberry Moon - Jun 3, 2023
Named for the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries in northeastern North America.
Buck Moon - Jul 3, 2023
Buck deer start growing velvety fur-covered antlers in July. It’s also occasionally referred to as the Thunder Moon.
Sturgeon Moon - Aug 1, 2023
Fishing tribes in North America knew that the sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water were most readily caught during this full moon.
Blue Moon - Aug 30, 2023
Second Full Moon in a month.
Harvest Moon - Sep 29, 2023
Close to the autumn equinox, it’s named for the moon’s light helping farmers to gather their crops, despite the diminishing daylight hours.
Hunter's Moon - Oct 28, 2023
With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it’s time to hunt and store up meat for the long winter ahead.
Beaver Moon - Nov 27, 2023
Beavers become active preparing for winter, and it’s also the time to set traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.
Cold Moon - Dec 26, 2023
The coming of the winter frost and the heart of the cold season give this full moon its name.
