This year, get ready to witness the breathtaking beauty of September’s full Harvest Moon. On Thursday, September 28, just after sunset, you’ll catch a glimpse of this celestial marvel. As the night progresses, the moon will reach its peak illumination at 5:58 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, September 29, before gracefully disappearing below the horizon[^1^].
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The Allure of the Harvest Moon
Have you ever wondered why it’s called the Harvest Moon? The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that the full Moon names have diverse origins, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name applied to the entire lunar month and all of the Moon’s phases, not just the full Moon. However, the Harvest Moon is unique[^2^].
The Harvest Moon Phenomenon
The Harvest Moon gets its name from being the full Moon that occurs nearest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23). It rises at almost the same time as the sunset for multiple evenings in a row. This extended moonlight provides farmers with extra time to complete their harvests before the arrival of fall’s frosty nights. It truly is a remarkable sight that embodies the spirit of abundance and hard work[^3^].
In case October’s full Moon occurs closer to the equinox than September’s, it assumes the name “Harvest Moon.” In such instances, September’s full Moon is referred to as the Corn Moon[^4^].
Unveiling the Corn Moon
Late summer and early fall mark the time for harvesting corn in many parts of the northern United States. It’s no surprise then that Native American communities have traditionally assigned various names to the August or September Moon, alluding to corn. Some examples include Corn Maker Moon (Western Abenaki) and Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota)[^5^].
Exploring Alternative September Moon Names
September signifies the transition between summer and fall, and other Moon names for this month mirror this transitional period. Let’s take a look at a few intriguing options:
- Autumn Moon (Cree)
- Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
- Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
- Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
- Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine)[^6^]
The behavior of animals also serves as inspiration for Moon names. For instance, the Tlingit people refer to this time as the Child Moon, when young animals are weaned. Additionally, the Cree use the terms Mating Moon and Rutting Moon to symbolize the season when animals like moose, elk, and deer seek their mates[^6^].
Moon Phases for September 2023
To ensure you don’t miss any lunar events, here are the Moon phase dates and times (EDT) for September:
- Last Quarter: September 6, 6:21 P.M. EDT
- New Moon: September 14, 9:40 P.M. EDT
- First Quarter: September 22, 3:32 P.M. EDT
- Full Moon: September 29, 5:58 A.M. EDT[^7^]
Embrace the Beauty of the Harvest Moon
Curious about why the Moon appears high or low in the sky? Discover the answer to this question and dive deeper into the wonders of September’s Full Moon in this captivating video[^8^].
This enchanting image of the Harvest Moon with a plane flying in front of it truly captures the essence and grandeur of this awe-inspiring event.
Make the Most of September’s Best Days
Considering different activities to make your September memorable? Consult the Moon’s sign and phase to determine the best days for various endeavors:
- Harvesting aboveground crops: 23, 24
- Harvesting belowground crops: 3-5
- Canning and Pickling: 8, 9
- Fishing: 14-29[^9^]
Moon Facts & Folklore
As autumn approaches, the Moon seems to rise only around 30 minutes later in the United States, and even less in Canada, unlike the usual 50-minute delay. Additionally, folklore suggests that frost occurring in the dark of the Moon can harm fruit buds and blossoms, while frost in the light of the Moon does not pose the same risk[^10^].
Are you a full Moon enthusiast? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
