December’s Full Cold Moon
How did December's Full Moon got its name?
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.
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
Is that 12:12 AM in every time zone or just Eastern?
Hi Clementine, just the eastern time zone, which we mention in the article.
Wow never know about the cold moon very good history
Midwinter is appropriate because midsummer is the first day of summer.
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.
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. 🙂
I love the video.
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.
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!
That was great video.
Loved it!!!!!!!!
It was informative — I like video or written.
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!!!
Very interesting video I liked it. I will be glad to see the days lengthen
I really enjoy your articles, thank’s for giving all year long *****
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.
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!
I’ve enjoyed your moon information each month and also the many other bits of information you bring to us.
neat video.
That was a cool video. Is there a video for January? The wolf moon?
December’s Full Cold Moon- Thank You.., excellent!
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.
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.
I’m with Betty Ballard. I’d rather read an article. Maybe post both?
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.
I prefer written information. Do not like videos
Thank you for yet another informative and well made video!
Very comforting snd soothing voice used in this short video, wsnted more!