The Strawberry Moon: A Symbol of Abundance and Connection
The summer solstice has just passed, and with it comes a new full moon known as the Strawberry Moon. Despite its name, the color of the moon does not change during this phenomenon. Instead, this moon’s name comes from the Native American tradition of marking the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries, which are ready to be gathered. At this time of year, many people celebrate abundance, connection, and the beauty of the natural world.
A Global Event
This year’s Strawberry Moon will be visible for three days, starting on June 18th, and will reach peak illumination at 11:42 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to NASA. Spectators in Argentina and the Atlantic Daylight Time zones eastward across the rest of North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia to the International Date Line in the mid-Pacific will see Antares, the most luminous star in the Scorpius constellation, a few degrees right of the moon.
In addition to the Strawberry Moon, there are other celestial events happening this year. Most years have twelve full moons, but 2023 will have thirteen, with two which are supermoons happening in August. There are also several lunar and solar eclipses and meteor showers to watch out for through the rest of 2023.
The Significance of the Full Moon in Different Cultures
The full moon has always been an object of fascination, and it holds significance in many cultures around the world. For instance, in Hinduism, the full moon and the three days it appears mark Vat Purnima, when women demonstrate their love for their husbands by “tying a ceremonial thread around a banyan tree.”
People from other regions have also given the full moon various names that represent their seasonal or cultural customs, such as the Europeans’ “Honey Moon.” Traditionally, June is the month of marriage, and in Roman mythology, June is named after the goddess Juno- the patroness of marriage, the home, and the hearth.
Reflecting on Abundance and Connection
As we gaze upon the Strawberry Moon, we are reminded of the beauty and richness of the natural world, and we celebrate the abundance it affords us. With the pandemic ongoing, people have felt isolated and disconnected from each other, and the environment around us. However, the full moon reminds us that we are all connected, regardless of language, culture, or geography.
The Strawberry Moon is a time to reflect on the Earth’s beauty, and on our interconnectedness. It is also a time to celebrate the richness of our own lives and the lives of those around us, appreciating the small moments that make up our daily existence.
Conclusion
Celestial events such as the Strawberry Moon give us a chance to connect with each other, with nature, and the universe. They offer moments of reflection and beauty in our busy lives, urging us to slow down, to celebrate our humanity, and to reflect on our place in the world.
If you have the opportunity, take some time to enjoy the beauty of the Strawberry Moon, and to reflect on the abundance and interconnectedness of life on our planet.
<< photo by Nam Quân Nguyễn >>
