December’s Full Cold Moon

How did December's Full Moon got its name?

December's Full Cold Moon

As the winter solstice approaches the chill in the air deepens, and the frosty grip of winter begins to tighten. Days grow ever shorter, and the nights are at their longest and darkest.

It is, therefore, no wonder that December’s full Moon is known as both the Cold Moon and the Long Night’s Moon.

The name Long Night’s Moon is doubly appropriate, not only because December nights are indeed long, but also because the midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky, causing it to sit above the horizon for a longer period of time.

December’s full Moon is also sometimes called the Moon Before Yule, in honor of the ancient European festival celebrating the return of the sun heralded by the year’s longest night.

For more full Moon lore and astronomy visit us at FarmersAlmanac.com

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Clementine La Honda

Is that 12:12 AM in every time zone or just Eastern?

Susan Higgins

Hi Clementine, just the eastern time zone, which we mention in the article.

Joseph McMillan

Wow never know about the cold moon very good history

Toni sistermoon

Midwinter is appropriate because midsummer is the first day of summer.

Heather

The article does NOT at any point claim it IS winter solstice on the 12th. It states that Dec 12th in APPROACHING, as in nearing the solstice. Please learn to read before complaining and hinting you can write well.

Janet

Re Steve Anderson’s comment, midwinter is also another name for the Winter Solstice. It does seem odd, since the Winter Solstice refers to the first day of winter, so hardly mid! By the way, I also prefer written info to videos, although I’ve been warming up to them. I’m glad I’m not alone. 🙂

Rose MacDonald

I love the video.

Susan Herley

In meteorology for the Northern hemisphere, winter begins on December 01, 2014. It is also called the beginning of meteorological winter. The meteorological seasons are divided according to the calendar months.

Steve andersen

What gives? Winter doesn’t even start until December 21. The Full Cold moon is not midwinter. I am available if you need a more accurate writer!

Lora Welch

That was great video.

PMS

Loved it!!!!!!!!

Barbara

It was informative — I like video or written.

Claudia

Photography is beautiful and the narrative is compelling. I always enjoy your videos but some are just stunning as is this one. Looking forward to seeing the Cold Moon!!!

Lori

Very interesting video I liked it. I will be glad to see the days lengthen

Rosia Morrison

I really enjoy your articles, thank’s for giving all year long *****

dee lewis

December seems to come faster every year….Thanksgiving one day and Christmas the next…..yet, we struggle on and begin to look forward to the coming spring.

Mary

December is a wonderful month full of celebrations, traditions and history, but the month January is a rebirth of the spirit of soul. Thank you mother earth!

Ellen Campbell

I’ve enjoyed your moon information each month and also the many other bits of information you bring to us.

Patches

neat video.

Denise

That was a cool video. Is there a video for January? The wolf moon?

Bob

December’s Full Cold Moon- Thank You.., excellent!

Peter Geiger

Good news – you can actually have it both ways. We are providing a series of Full Moon Lore videos but you can also read about it online under astronomy/ full moon names.For the serious reader, go to our website and in the search box put Full Moons and you will get 30+ articles to read. Hope this helps.

Steve

timely video, as the full moon made the trip across the night sky, the temperature reading dropped accordingly here in Maine. At -12 degrees, wind chill -30, I traded the comfort of a blazing wood stove to a warm bed covered with quilts, three cats, and a dog.

Lynn Turner

I’m with Betty Ballard. I’d rather read an article. Maybe post both?

Bigmomma

Great Video! I love your videos and your articles on the Moon and the origins of its names for each month or season. Reading your articles or viewing your videos has improved my gardening skills. Thank You.

betty ballard

I prefer written information. Do not like videos

Andrea

Thank you for yet another informative and well made video!

jayme brown

Very comforting snd soothing voice used in this short video, wsnted more!

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