October will be kicking off with a Harvest Moon this year, so I did a little reading to learn more about the history, magic, and spooky happenings that come along with it.
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, which began on Sept. 22 this year. Representing the beginning of the fall season, the autumn equinox brings shorter days and earlier nightfall here in Canada. While we say goodbye to long summer nights, it’s time to welcome all of the excitement and beauty of fall, and what better way to kick it off than with a stunning moon?
This year’s Harvest Moon falls on Oct. 1, a somewhat rare occurrence as a September Harvest Moon is much more common. In the days before tractor lights, the Harvest Moon allowed farmers to work late into the night, harvesting their crops by the light of the moon. Because the full moon corresponds with the harvesting season for corn, it is also referred to as the Full Corn Moon.
If you’ve checked it out in the past, you might think the Harvest Moon looks bigger, brighter, and more orange than other full moons. That’s because most people tend to look for this fall moon just after sunset. At this time of day, the full moon is near the horizon, making it appear bigger and more orange than what you might see in the sky later at night. Essentially, when you’re looking toward the horizon, you’re looking through a greater thickness of Earth’s atmosphere than when you look straight up into the night sky. Your eyes are playing a bit of a trick on you; which you can learn more about by looking up “the moon illusion.”
The deceiving appearance of the Harvest Moon isn’t the only illusion known to come along with it. Throughout history, numerous stories of shadowy figures on the horizon, strange sounds, and vivid nightmares are said to coincide with the special event.
The second full moon of October, the Blue Moon, falls on Halloween night, so we’re in for an extra spooky season this year!
Traditions and folklore surrounding the Harvest Moon aren’t limited to North America; in fact, many folks in China celebrate the Festival of the August Moon, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, both of with centre around the first full moon of the fall.
In Chinese culture, the full moon symbolizes prosperity and togetherness amongst families. Mooncakes, typically round sweet cakes with a sweet filling, are shared by family members during the festival celebrations. They can also be gifted to others as a sign of love and best wishes.
Will you be doing anything to welcome the Harvest Moon this year? Keep an eye out on Oct. 1 at 6:05 p.m. when it will reach peak illumination. You might even catch a glimpse of Mars close by.
Jill Ellsworth is a writer and communications specialist who lives in Dominion, N.S. Her column appears biweekly across the Saltwire Network. She can be reached at [email protected].
