The Origins of Every Full Moon: A Year of Lunar Stories 🌕
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For thousands of years, cultures around the world have named and celebrated each month’s Full Moon. These names often reflected the seasons, natural cycles, or traditions tied to survival and community.
At LUNR, where our vision is “Where the Moon Meets the Moment,” these lunar stories inspire not just photography, but the meaning behind every image we share.
Curious how the Moon fits your story? Explore LUNR’s lunar art and products here.
🌕 January – Wolf Moon
Named by Native American and European traditions, the Wolf Moon reflected the howls of hungry wolves echoing in the cold winter nights. It symbolizes endurance and survival.
🌕 February – Snow Moon
The Snow Moon takes its name from the heavy snowfall of February, the snowiest month in the Northern Hemisphere. It represents stillness and quiet reflection.
🌕 March – Worm Moon
As the ground thaws and earthworms reappear, the Worm Moon signals renewal and the coming of spring. It’s a time for growth and new beginnings.
🌕 April – Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Moon doesn’t actually turn pink. The Pink Moon comes from the bloom of wild ground phlox flowers, one of the first signs of spring. It represents blossoming and hope.
The image "Transit" shown above was captured during the Pink Moon of 2019, a moment when sky and chance aligned perfectly. A commercial plane happened to cross directly in front of the full Moon at that exact second, creating a once-in-a-lifetime shot.
That single photograph wasn’t staged or edited to look like something it wasn’t. It was a real lunar photograph, captured at the perfect moment, and it became the first image shared through LUNR. Through Transit, LUNR shares not only the Moon itself but the stories and emotions of each unique lunar event.
🌕 May – Flower Moon
The Flower Moon is tied to the abundance of blooming flowers in May. It’s a celebration of life, fertility, and vibrant renewal.
🌕 June – Strawberry Moon
Named after the short strawberry harvest season, this Moon also marks the beginning of summer. It symbolizes sweetness, abundance, and joy.
🌕 July – Buck Moon
This Moon is linked to the growth of new antlers on young bucks. It represents strength, growth, and resilience.
🌕 August – Sturgeon Moon
Native American fishing tribes named this Moon after the abundance of sturgeon in the Great Lakes. It reflects sustenance, tradition, and preparation for the colder months ahead.
🌕 September – Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the closest Full Moon to the autumn equinox. It offered farmers extra light to harvest crops late into the night. It’s a Moon of hard work, reward, and gratitude.
Tip: Celebrate your own Harvest Moon moments in our Transit Hardcover Lunar Journal.
🌕 October – Hunter’s/Harvest Moon
Following the harvest, hunters prepared for the long winter. The Hunter’s/Harvest Moon represents gathering, survival, and the cycles of nature.
🌕 November – Beaver Moon
Trappers set beaver traps before rivers froze over. The Beaver Moon reminds us of preparation, resourcefulness, and protection.
🌕 December – Cold Moon
The Cold Moon reflects the long, dark nights of December. It symbolizes clarity, stillness, and reflection at the year’s end.
🌙 Why These Moons Still Matter
Even in today’s modern world, the names of the Full Moons connect us to cycles older than memory. Each one carries a reminder: of change, of growth, and of our connection to nature’s rhythm.
At LUNR, every lunar photograph is tied to a real moment in time — much like these ancient names. Just as no two Moons are the same, no two moments behind the lens are ever repeated.
Which Full Moon name resonates most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✨ Explore the Moon through art, photography, and products designed to bring these moments closer: Shop the LUNR Collection