Every full moon of 2004, including traditional names used for centuries by Native American and European cultures. These names reflect seasonal activities and natural phenomena.
Wolf Moon
JanuaryWednesday, January 7, 2004
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 6, 2004
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 6, 2004
Named for the earthworm trails that appear in the newly thawed soil of March, signaling the return of spring.
Pink Moon
AprilMonday, April 5, 2004
Named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring across North America. Also called the Sprouting Grass Moon.
Flower Moon
MayTuesday, May 4, 2004
Named for the abundant flowers that bloom in May across the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as the Corn Planting Moon.
Strawberry Moon
JuneThursday, June 3, 2004
Named by the Algonquin peoples for the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries in June.
Buck Moon
JulyFriday, July 2, 2004
Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers in July. Also called the Thunder Moon.
Buck Moon
JulySaturday, July 31, 2004
Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers in July. Also called the Thunder Moon.
Sturgeon Moon
AugustMonday, August 30, 2004
Named by the Great Lakes peoples for the abundance of sturgeon fish caught in August.
Harvest Moon
SeptemberTuesday, September 28, 2004
The full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Its bright light helped farmers harvest crops after sunset.
Hunter's Moon
OctoberThursday, October 28, 2004
Following the Harvest Moon, October's full moon illuminated the fields for hunters pursuing their prey.
Beaver Moon
NovemberFriday, November 26, 2004
Named for the time when beavers finish building their dams and lodges before winter. Also called the Frost Moon.
Cold Moon
DecemberSunday, December 26, 2004
Named for the long, cold nights of December when winter firmly grips the Northern Hemisphere.