The Harvest Moon

The full Moon closest to the Fall Equinox (approximately September 22) is called the Harvest Moon. Before the days of electric lights, the Harvest Moon played an important role in the lives of farmers. In order for the Sun to light up the full face of the Moon, the Moon must be directly opposite the Sun in the sky, rising in the east just as the Sun sets in the west. The full Moon rising late in September, just as farmers were harvesting their crops, provided them with light through the night, so they could keep working, and bring their produce in from the fields before it spoiled - in ancient times literally a matter of life or death. This highly anticipated full Moon became known as the Harvest Moon. With so much vigourous harvesting going on, the air often became filled with dust, giving the Harvest Moon a rich golden hue.

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