The Pink Moon
For the fourth
installment of the Moons of the Year series, I present “The Pink Moon”…
The Full Moon
for the month of April is known as the Pink Moon. It is important to note that
although the name of the moon is pink, the moon itself will not look pink in
color. In fact, the month takes its name from this time of year when flowers
begin to blossom. It is named as a pink moon specifically for the Pink Phlox
plant, which blooms this time of year.
It is also known
as the Fish Moon, as it is the time for many fish to spawn upstream.
I read a
wonderful article on Space.com which explained the other meanings for the April
full moon around the world:
April
full moons mark festivals and holidays in other parts of the world: in India,
Hindus celebrate the birth of Hanuman in a festival called Hanuman Jayanti. The
April full moon will also mark the beginning of Passover for the Jewish people.
In Arabic-speaking Islamic traditions, the night of the full moon is called
badr for full, but the root of
the word also has connotations of health and beauty, says Fadwa El Guindi in
"By Noon Prayer: The Rhythm of Islam." For Christians in England,
April was known by the Old English name ēastre-monaþ, or "Easter month." The date of Easter is the first
Sunday following the full moon that itself follows the vernal equinox, on March
21. This year Easter falls on April 16, a week after the full moon.
In further researching
the Pink Moon, I read about the meaning of the color associated with
femininity. It pertains to the cycle of life, the creation of life, babies
being born, plants growing in the garden, flowers blooming.
Whatever name
you choose to call the April moon, I pray it brings all the beauty of the
season your way.
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