How Does Nature Impact Our Well-being?

Joyful June brings beautiful bouquets, delicious fruits, fresh vegetables, and an urge to get out there and enjoy the sunshine in cooler clothes for our warmer days. Did You Know: June was traditionally the month of marriages, and is even named after the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno. Following marriage comes the “honeymoon,” which may be tied to this full Moon’s name!

June’s full Moon, the full Strawberry Moon, occurs on Friday, June 5. It reaches peak illumination at 3:12 P.M. (EDT) that afternoon, but will not appear above the horizon until just after sunset.  Why Is It Called the Full Strawberry Moon?--June’s full Moon—typically the last full Moon of spring or the first of summer—is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon.

The tradition of naming Moons is rich in history. The Old Farmer’s Almanac I referenced for this topic, has long honored the Native American Moon names and the folklore of those who came before us. They follow the full Moon names that were used during Native American and Colonial times to help track the seasons—usually from the Algonquin tribes who lived in the same areas as the Colonists.  The name, Strawberry Moon, originated with Algonquin tribes in eastern North America who knew it as a signal to gather the ripening fruit of wild strawberries. Alternative European names for this Moon include the Honey Moon and the Mead Moon. It has also been called the Rose Moon, given that many roses come to life during this part of the year!

It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.
                           –N. P. Willis (1807-67)