March’s full Moon goes by the name Worm Moon. For many years, we thought this name referred to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring!
However, more research revealed another explanation. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes and wrote that the name Worm Moon refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.
The Worm Moon is also called the Lenten Moon for the season of Lent. (which also determines when Easter is each year.) Specifically, in Christianity, this Moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it is the last full Moon of the winter season (i.e., if it occurs before the spring equinox) or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first full Moon of spring (i.e., if it occurs after the spring equinox).
There are quite a few names for the March Moon that speak to the transition from winter to spring. Some refer to the appearance (or reappearance) of certain animals, such as the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree), or Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), while others refer to signs of the season:
- The Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) marks the time of year when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow.
- The Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to the strong windy days that come at this time of year.
- The Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine) highlights the blinding rays of sunlight that reflect off the melting snow of late winter.
It sure has a lot of different names. The least of which is Worm moon. Nice post, Pat.
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Thanks, Don. I am always surprised at how many different names each monthly full moon has.
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Goodness, Pat! You are a fountain of fascinating knowledge! Thank you!
Joanna
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I am fascinated with how many names each full moon has., Joanna. Thanks.
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I am grateful that you are!
Joanna
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Thanks, Joanna
Buddy is sending you a big 💋.
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I kiss Buddy back!!
Joanna
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He’ll be thrilled.
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Such a fascinating post, dear Pat!!!🌕
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Mille grazie cara Luisa. Pleased you liked it.
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💙🌕💙🙏💙
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You are a gift! If I am not laughing, I am learning from you. Thank you, Pat. I will be out taking photos tomorrow night. 🌚
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Thanks for your wonderful compliment, Michele. Hope you take great pictures of the moon.
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