What Is A Wolf Moon?
QUICK ANSWER
The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for January's full moon. The name comes from Algonquin tribes who heard wolves howling near their villages during the deep midwinter months, when food was scarce. The Wolf Moon is the first full moon of the year and one of the most well-known monthly names.
The Wolf Moon is one of the most evocative full moon names, conjuring images of hungry wolves howling under a cold winter sky. The name has roots in both Native American and Old European traditions, where wolves howling outside villages in midwinter were a common experience. As the first full moon of each year, the Wolf Moon also marks the start of the new annual cycle of named full moons.
Where does the name come from?
From Algonquin tribes. According to NASA, traditional full moon names like the Wolf Moon come from Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States, popularized in modern times by the Maine Farmer's Almanac in the 1930s. The Wolf Moon name reflects the experience of hearing wolves howling near villages during the deep midwinter, when food was scarce and packs roamed widely searching for prey. The sound was a memorable seasonal feature, making it natural to associate with the January full moon.
When does it happen?
January each year. The Wolf Moon is the full moon that occurs during January, typically in early to late month. The exact date varies year to year. Some years the Wolf Moon falls in the first days of January; others it occurs at the end of the month. In rare years with two January full moons, the second is technically a blue moon, though the Wolf Moon name applies to the first. The Wolf Moon is the first named full moon of each calendar year.
What other names does it have?
Several. Old European traditions called this the Moon After Yule, since it follows the medieval Christmas (Yule) season. Other names include the Old Moon (because it precedes the start of the new lunar year) and the Ice Moon (referring to mid-winter ice and cold). Native American names from various tribes include the Great Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe), Center Moon (Assiniboine), Cold Moon (Cree), and Severe Moon (Dakota). All these names reflect the harsh winter character of the month.
Is the Wolf Moon special astronomically?
Not particularly. The Wolf Moon is a normal full moon with no special astronomical significance beyond being January's full moon. It happens because the Moon orbits Earth roughly once a month, putting it directly opposite the Sun (the full phase) about every 29.5 days. The names of full moons are entirely cultural, not astronomical. However, January full moons are often relatively high in the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, since they sit opposite the low winter Sun, and they can appear especially bright against the cold winter air.
The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for January's full moon, coming from Algonquin tribes who heard wolves howling near villages during deep midwinter. It's the first full moon of each year. Old European names for this moon include the Moon After Yule, Old Moon, and Ice Moon. The Wolf Moon has no special astronomical significance; the name is purely cultural. January's full moon is often relatively high in the sky from the Northern Hemisphere.
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