I am late in posting about the Worm Moon, but still I wanted to share this fascinating (to me) information. It’s never too late to learn something new, right? Besides, next March when the full moon appears, we will know all about it.
And knowledge is good any time.
The March full moon occurred a couple of weeks ago on March 7. It was glorious here in northwest Arkansas, all glowy through the trees in our back yard. I’ve been tracking the phases of the moon in part because of the phenology wheels I’ve been creating. (If you missed pictures of my January and February phenology wheels, you can see them in my Sunday Letter linked HERE.)
I’ve always been enamored with the moon.
As an elementary school kid during the heyday of the Apollo Missions, travel to the moon was pure MAGIC in my mind.
In 8th grade science class, Mr. Ring, one of my favorite teachers, assigned a moon project. We were tasked with tracking the phases of the moon for a solid 90 days in our science notebooks. While most of my classmates were bored crazy with this assignment, I loved every minute of it. Standing in the backyard each night, pinpointing both the position in the night sky and the moon’s current phase, seemed to anchor me during a time when I felt anything but anchored.
I see the moon and the moon sees me. God bless the moon and God bless me. Who remembers that little song?
March Moon Names
The March full moon has many names rooted in native American tradition. The names are delightful, so descriptive and fun!
- Worm Moon (Dakota)
- Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, and Assiniboine dialects)
- Little Spring Moon (Creek)
- Spring Moon (Passamaquoddy)
- Moon of the Whispering Wind (Hopi)
- Little Frog Moon (Omaha)
- Water Stands in the Ponds Moon (Ponca)
- Sap Moon (Shawnee)
- Sugar Moon (Ojibwe)
Worm Moon is probably the most common of the March full moon names, and it must be the favorite of robins! After the heavy rains of late winter and pre-spring, earthworms are busy making their way up from the soil.
Photo by Pedro Forester Da Silva on Unsplash
You may have also heard the March full moon called the Lenten Moon. This moon name honors the season of Lent during the Christian liturgical calendar.
Who knew a moon could have so many names?
Now, onward to the next full moon.
Are you a moon lover?
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Oh and p.s., if you put any stock into the zodiac, I’m a Cancer, and Cancer is ruled by the moon. So there’s that too.
Moonlight Serenade reminds me so much of my mom and dad. Wonderful music from that generation!
It’s so beautiful!
That’s my kind of music!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
I must be the shallowest person on the face of the planet. Why did I not even consider any of this? What a fun read. Thank you.
So loved the music too! Thank You, saving it! I should have paid more attention to the moons ~ when younger like You! Love this letter!