Mar 02 2009
Full Worm Moon in March
The full moon names originally came from the Native Americans that lived in the northern and eastern area of the United States. They named the recurring full moons a distinctive name to help them in keeping track of the seasons. The name was applied to the entire month in which the full moon appeared. These names and variations of the names were used by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. The full moon for March is the Full Worm Moon, with the following name variations: Full Crow Moon, Full Crust Moon, Full Sugar Moon, Full Sap Moon. The reason the full moon in March was named the Worm Moon, as the sun increasingly warmed the soil, earthworms became active and their castings (excrements) began to appear.
Crows are out and about during March, the snow has a crust like surface, and March is Maple Sugaring season – the sap begins to rise in the sugar maple. Welcome to March and soon we will welcome Spring.
Full moon folklore - historical archives / Old Farmer’s Almanac
Nifty! Were the days counted, or named, or did they just pay attention to the moon phase?
Very interesting post! Yes I am waiting for spring. Yet more snow today.
Ravyn - thanks for stopping by - as far as I know, it was just the moon phase- I will do some research and create a new post.
Cindy23 - spring - where is it. It is 5:20 and still snowing - over a foot already - now the wind is winding up.
I’ve always loved the traditional moon names - next month will be planters moon and I can’t wait! I’ve been reading about planting by the phase of the moon lately and think I may try that this year.
Chameleonsdream - thanks for your comment. Planters moon is next, and I will dig up some info on it as well as list out some of the other full moon names for the month of April.
Bob - thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I try to be informative and am glad when I find something that interests folks.