As we eagerly await the arrival of summer, the celestial world offers us a delightful spectacle known as the Strawberry Moon. Contrary to its delightful name, this lunar event does not bless the sky with warm hues reminiscent of ripe strawberries. However, it does mark the strawberry season, a time when these luscious berries reach their peak of ripeness and are ready for harvesting.
The Royal Greenwich Museum sheds light on the Strawberry Moon, stating that many cultures refer to May’s full moon as the “flower moon” due to the flourishing of blooms as spring unfolds its vibrant colors. Native American traditions have also bestowed various names upon this enchanting celestial event, including the hare moon, the corn planting moon, and the milk moon.
Historically, the Strawberry Moon finds its roots in Native American culture. As NASA reveals, the Maine Farmer’s Almanac took the initiative to publish Indian names for the full moons during the 1930s. Among the Algonquin tribes, the full moon in June, or the last full moon of spring, universally earned the moniker “Strawberry Moon.” This name owes its existence to the brief duration of the northeastern North American strawberry harvest season.
The Strawberry Moon may not manifest in the expected warm colors reminiscent of its fruity namesake, but its significance as a marker of the strawberry season and its celestial beauty make it a captivating phenomenon. So, make sure you don’t miss out on witnessing this enchanting lunar event when it graces the night sky this weekend.