Harvest Moon
/ˈhɑːr.vɪst muːn/noun
The full moon occurring closest to the autumnal equinox, traditionally associated with bringing in crops.
Did you know?Before modern lighting, the bright Harvest Moon helped farmers work late into the evening during the crucial autumn harvest season.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meh₁-
“To measure; the ancient root connected the Moon’s cycles with the measurement of time.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*mēnô
“Moon; the celestial body whose phases marked passing months.”
Old English
Old English
mōna
“Moon.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*harbistaz
“Autumn; the season of gathering crops.”
Old English
Old English
hærfest
“Autumn or harvest—the period when crops were gathered.”
18th Century
English
harvest moon
“The full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, named for its practical importance to farmers.”