Friday, March 14, 2025 8:00 PM
I always get a chuckle when I type The Full Worm Moon as the name for the March lunar light show.. It seems like such an understated name for a month when so many miraculous changes are taking place as we slip from winter into spring. The lowly earthworm does reappear as the ground begins to thaw in the warmth of early spring but there is another likely origin to the name. The Farmer’s Almanac reported that Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Dakota Tribe in the 1760’s and found that the worms they referenced for the Worm Moon were the larvae of beetles that emerged from beneath the bark and leaf litter in early spring. No matter the mystery of which “protein packet” creature the name refers to, there is no doubt that it is a necessary addition to the avian diet as birds migrate, nest and begin to raise their broods. Bears, skunks, and racoons also welcome this ready source of protein after the deprivations of winter
There are numerous other names for this Full Moon, most originating from indigenous peoples and referencing the changes evident on the landscape as spring makes an appearance. Crow Comes Back Moon, Eagle Moon, and Goose Moon are related to the seasonal return of the larger birds. The longer, brighter days inspired the name The Sore Eyes Moon thanks to sunlight reflected off ice and snow. The “in like a lion, out like a lamb” March winds led to names like Wind Strong Moon, Moon of the Whispering Winds and Little Sand Storm Moon. I’m a big fan of The Sugar Making Moon or The Sap Moon when the tree sap starts flowing. Those who tap that sweet liquid feeding the long dormant Maples will have a far more satisfying gustatory experience than those dining on “worms” this time of year. One final descriptive name is Buffalo Dropping Their Calves Moon provided by the Arapaho Tribe. Since this is the last full Moon of winter, a week before the spring equinox, it is known by Christians as The Lenten Moon.
Our walk will occur just hours after a Total Lunar Eclipse. If you want to view it and then share your experience with our group, you will have to stay up late on the 13th into the early morning of the 14th. The eclipse will be visible in our vicinity starting at 11:56 P.M. and will be over at 6:02 A.M. the morning of our walk. The determined Moon watcher will be rewarded with a view of a Blood Moon when the light reaching the Moon during the eclipse causes a rosy blush.
Please join us for our final winter Moon Walk as we set our sights on the changing seasons. We meet behind Borough Hall and there is plenty of parking on Channing and 1st Avenues. Should a late winter weather event make an appearance, please remember that we cancel the walk if conditions are hazardous.