This past Monday, if you looked into the sky at night, you might’ve noticed something just a little bit different. The moon appeared closer and brighter than normal as it was a full moon. This is because on October 6, a supermoon appeared, known as the harvest moon.
Most people might not be aware of this; they might have just seen how beautiful the moon was and moved on with their night, but in Appalachian folklore, phases of the moon have a rich backstory. This full moon was very important in the harvesting cycles of our ancestors. The reason why it is referred to as the harvest moon is that it was the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. It was also considered a super moon because it was much closer to Earth than normal.
A main aspect of Appalachian moon folklore is that it dictates what happens and when. Not only do many Appalachian people specifically plant different foods based on the lunar phase, but also on the astrological sign the moon is in. In a waxing moon, it is believed to be the best time to plant crops that grow above ground, which can include leafy greens and beans. During the waning moon, it is believed to be ideal for planting root crops, such as potatoes. During the full moon, it is a good time to harvest these crops.
Folklore concerning the moon comes from a blend of Irish traditions and different Cherokee customs that were adopted throughout generations. As for Appalachian superstitions, the full moon is said to bring good luck. It’s also said that the moon predicts the weather, and if there’s a ring around the moon, it’s going to predict bad weather in the winter.
If you’re wondering what you can look for next, that would be the hunter’s moon. This full moon will also be a supermoon, and it is referred to as the hunter’s moon because it helps hunters track their game as the moon’s brightness clears the fields. This moon typically happens in October, following the harvestman. This moon has been extremely important for generations, signaling that it was time for hunters to prepare for the winter so that they can provide.
