Every full moon of 1940, including traditional names used for centuries by Native American and European cultures. These names reflect seasonal activities and natural phenomena.
Wolf Moon
JanuaryWednesday, January 24, 1940
Named after the howling wolves that could be heard during the cold, dark nights of January. Also called the Ice Moon or Old Moon.
Snow Moon
FebruaryFriday, February 23, 1940
Named for the typically heavy snowfalls of February in North America. Also known as the Hunger Moon, as hunting was difficult.
Worm Moon
MarchSaturday, March 23, 1940
Named for the earthworm trails that appear in the newly thawed soil of March, signaling the return of spring.
Pink Moon
AprilMonday, April 22, 1940
Named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring across North America. Also called the Sprouting Grass Moon.
Flower Moon
MayTuesday, May 21, 1940
Named for the abundant flowers that bloom in May across the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as the Corn Planting Moon.
Strawberry Moon
JuneWednesday, June 19, 1940
Named by the Algonquin peoples for the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries in June.
Buck Moon
JulyFriday, July 19, 1940
Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers in July. Also called the Thunder Moon.
Sturgeon Moon
AugustSaturday, August 17, 1940
Named by the Great Lakes peoples for the abundance of sturgeon fish caught in August.
Harvest Moon
SeptemberMonday, September 16, 1940
The full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Its bright light helped farmers harvest crops after sunset.
Hunter's Moon
OctoberWednesday, October 16, 1940
Following the Harvest Moon, October's full moon illuminated the fields for hunters pursuing their prey.
Beaver Moon
NovemberFriday, November 15, 1940
Named for the time when beavers finish building their dams and lodges before winter. Also called the Frost Moon.
Cold Moon
DecemberSaturday, December 14, 1940
Named for the long, cold nights of December when winter firmly grips the Northern Hemisphere.