Environment
Fact Checked

What is a Harvest Moon?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

A Harvest Moon, also known as a Singing Moon or an Elk Call Moon, is the name given to the full moon right before the autumn equinox, around 22-23 September in the Northern Hemisphere, and around 21 March in the Southern Hemisphere. The first full moon right after the autumn equinox is known as a Hunter's Moon. In fact, all full moons have names. For example, the full moon in May is known as a Hare Moon, and the full moon in November is a Snow Moon.

The Harvest Moon is so named because, traditionally, it helped farmers work on their crops at night. Its spatial location in relation to the earth means the moon rises 50 minutes later each evening, except around the time of the Harvest Moon, when the moon rises only 30 minutes later. This means that moonlight shines on for longer, thus helping farmers who are still working on their crops after sundown. Other cultures considered the Harvest Moon as the last full moon before autumn started, and so it became the time mark for when all crops had to be picked up.

The Harvest Moon is a full moon just before the autumn equinox.
The Harvest Moon is a full moon just before the autumn equinox.

While the Harvest Moon seems larger than other moons, this is only because the Harvest Moon is lower in the sky, which gives the viewer the impression that it is bigger. This has originated a series of myths and traditions. In Wales, for example, people climb to the top of the Snowden mountain range to wait for the rising of the Harvest Moon. The climb is done at night, guided only by the light of the moon. Celebrations and candle festivals are carried on at the top.

Many Asian countries celebrate Harvest Moon in September.
Many Asian countries celebrate Harvest Moon in September.

Many cultures celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival in September, especially in Asia, where this is a legal holiday. The Harvest Moon Festival celebrates summer's harvest through a series of traditions, such as eating "moon cakes" and lighting lanterns. Grand parades are put on the streets, and people everywhere gather for nighttime festivities. The Harvest Moon Festival is sometimes known outside of Asia as the “Chinese Thanksgiving,” since the celebrations place emphasis on giving thanks for a year of prosperous crop growing.

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Discussion Comments

anon120019

what I forgot to say that my mom that died at around the harvest full moon.

She always loved the moon and the stars and particularly the early morning star and brightest star.

anon120018

well it was amazing this year. I was with my mom while she was dying on a 10 day/night natural death vigil. On this night, it was as if the full moon just came into the room and took her. It was very powerful. I somehow knew she would go then.

anon44774

And I thought the "Harvest Moon" was in October, thus all of the "October-fest" celebrations! I am really enjoying learning something new most every day from "wiseGeek." Thank you all so much! Carol-Ann

anon44086

And here I thought that "Harvest Moons" were only when the moon appears orange or red as it rises.

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    • The Harvest Moon is a full moon just before the autumn equinox.
      By: Zhanna Ocheret
      The Harvest Moon is a full moon just before the autumn equinox.
    • Many Asian countries celebrate Harvest Moon in September.
      By: emiliezhang
      Many Asian countries celebrate Harvest Moon in September.