Every full moon of 1961, including traditional names used for centuries by Native American and European cultures. These names reflect seasonal activities and natural phenomena.
Wolf Moon
JanuarySunday, January 1, 1961
Named after the howling wolves that could be heard during the cold, dark nights of January. Also called the Ice Moon or Old Moon.
Wolf Moon
JanuaryTuesday, January 31, 1961
Named after the howling wolves that could be heard during the cold, dark nights of January. Also called the Ice Moon or Old Moon.
Worm Moon
MarchThursday, March 2, 1961
Named for the earthworm trails that appear in the newly thawed soil of March, signaling the return of spring.
Pink Moon
AprilSaturday, April 1, 1961
Named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring across North America. Also called the Sprouting Grass Moon.
Pink Moon
AprilSunday, April 30, 1961
Named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring across North America. Also called the Sprouting Grass Moon.
Flower Moon
MayTuesday, May 30, 1961
Named for the abundant flowers that bloom in May across the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as the Corn Planting Moon.
Strawberry Moon
JuneWednesday, June 28, 1961
Named by the Algonquin peoples for the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries in June.
Buck Moon
JulyThursday, July 27, 1961
Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers in July. Also called the Thunder Moon.
Sturgeon Moon
AugustSaturday, August 26, 1961
Named by the Great Lakes peoples for the abundance of sturgeon fish caught in August.
Harvest Moon
SeptemberSunday, September 24, 1961
The full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Its bright light helped farmers harvest crops after sunset.
Hunter's Moon
OctoberMonday, October 23, 1961
Following the Harvest Moon, October's full moon illuminated the fields for hunters pursuing their prey.
Beaver Moon
NovemberWednesday, November 22, 1961
Named for the time when beavers finish building their dams and lodges before winter. Also called the Frost Moon.
Cold Moon
DecemberFriday, December 22, 1961
Named for the long, cold nights of December when winter firmly grips the Northern Hemisphere.