Dear curious minds, have you heard about the Wolf Moon happening on January 13, 2025? Why is it called the Wolf Moon? In this video, we’ll explore the fascinating history and rich traditions surrounding this winter full Moon.
When and Where to Watch
First of all, mark your calendars for Monday, January 13, 2025, when the Moon will reach its peak fullness at 5:27 PM EST. Whether you’re in the Americas, Africa, Europe, or Asia, this radiant Moon will light up the night sky for about three days—from Sunday evening through Wednesday morning.
And here’s an extra treat: for many in the USA, Africa, Canada, and Mexico, the Moon will align with the planet Mars in a rare celestial pairing. Be sure to look up and experience this breathtaking moment!
Why Is It Called the Wolf Moon?
The Wolf Moon gets its name from Native American legends. During the coldest part of winter, wolves could often be heard howling near villages. While the howling might sound eerie, it was simply how wolves communicated with their pack.
The name was made popular by the Maine Farmers’ Almanac in the 1930s, but it’s not the only name for January’s full Moon.
In Europe, this full Moon is known by several names, including the Ice Moon, the Old Moon, and the Moon after Yule. Yule was a pre-Christian festival held around the winter solstice, lasting anywhere from three to twelve days. Over time, as Christianity spread across Europe, King Haakon I of Norway tied Yule to Christmas in the 10th century, blending old traditions with new ones.
The exact timing of the original Yule festival is a bit unclear. Some believe it aligns with the 12 days of Christmas, ending on Twelfth Night (January 6), while others think Yule simply referred to the entire month of January. Given the uncertainty, many associate the “Moon after Yule” with the first full Moon following the winter solstice.
World Traditions with Wolf Moon
This full Moon marks the beginning of the 44-day Prayag Kumbh Mela, also called Maha Kumbh, a major Hindu pilgrimage and festival. Held every 12 years in the Indian city of Prayagraj, it takes place at the sacred confluence of three rivers—the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. This grand event is expected to draw around 400 million visitors. Similar Kumbh festivals occur every 12 years in three other Indian cities: Nashik (set for 2027), Ujjain (in 2028), and Haridwar (in 2033).
In the Hindu calendar, this full Moon is also known as Shakambhari Purnima, marking the final day of the 8-day Shakambari Navratri festival, which honors the goddess Shakambhari. In regions that follow the Purnimanta tradition, where months end with the full Moon, this day is also called Paush Purnima, the last day of the Hindu month of Paush. The next day begins the month of Magha, a period of spiritual practices and austerity. Both Shakambari Navratri and Magha are associated with ritual bathing in India’s sacred rivers.
Additionally, this full Moon is significant for Hindus in southern India. It aligns with the Thiruvathira, Thiruvathirai, or Arudhra Darisanam festival, which is celebrated in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
For Buddhists in Sri Lanka, this full Moon is called Duruthu Poya. It commemorates the first visit of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha to the island, a deeply revered event in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
How the Moon Shapes Calendars and Cultures
In many lunar and lunisolar calendars, months begin with the new Moon, while the full Moon occurs in the middle of the month. This particular full Moon falls during the 12th and final month of the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Rabbit. The upcoming new Moon on January 29 will mark Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
In the Hebrew calendar, this full Moon occurs in the month of Tevet, while in the Islamic calendar, it falls during Rajab, the seventh month. Rajab is one of Islam’s four sacred months when acts of warfare and conflict are traditionally prohibited, making it a time for reflection and peace.
Dive Into the Wolf Moon’s Stories and Legends
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the myths, celestial events, and global celebrations tied to this remarkable full Moon. From its spiritual significance to its astronomical wonders, the Wolf Moon invites us to look up, reflect, and reconnect with the universe.
Next: World’s First Vaccine: The Story behind Revolutionary Moment in History [Article]
References:
NASA/JPL-Caltech. Phases of the Moon: January 2025. Retrieved from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov
Maine Farmers’ Almanac. Full Moon Names and Traditions. Accessed January 2025, from https://farmersalmanac.com
