SEASONS OF THE MOON
by Jean Warren               
                           Adapted from NE American Indian legends.

When the full moons rose, many years ago,
The ancients named them, so they would know,
What season of year would be coming soon
And how to prepare for the next full moon.

When January’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Wolf Moon.  Why?
Because in January the earth was cold and white
And hungry wolves would howl all night.

When February’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Snow Moon.  Why?
Because in February there was so much snow
It was hard to hunt and their supplies grew low.

When March’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Worm Moon.  Why?
Because in March, worms would appear
And that meant soon, the birds would be here.

When April’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Pink Moon.  Why?
Because now when they looked, down on the ground,
A light pink ground-cover could be found.

When May’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Flower Moon.  Why?
Because May was when, lots of flowers were growing,
That meant the soil was ready to start their sowing.

When June’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Strawberry Moon.  Why?
Because in June the strawberries all turned red
And it was time to pluck them all from their beds.

When July’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Thunder Moon.  Why?
Because summer storms often came in July
Bringing lightning and thunder to the sky.

When August’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Green Corn Moon.  Why?
Because in August they watched the corn grow high,
In fields of green, against bright blue skies.

When September’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Corn Moon.  Why?
Because in September they knew, the time was near,
When the corn would be ready, to pick that year.

When October’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Harvest Moon.  Why?
Because the moon would shine above so bright,
They could harvest their corn, both day and night.

When November’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Beaver Moon.  Why?
Because November was the time they set their traps,
So they could make, fur blankets and warm fur hats.

When December’s full moon filled the sky,
They called the moon, the Long Night Moon.  Why?
Because in December, days were short and nights were long.
Now was the time for stories and songs.

(After reading the story, see if your child can think of a great name for this month’s full moon.  Each month continue with the other months and what is important to your child at the time.)