The Significance of March's Full Moon: The Worm Moon

The moon never ceases to captivate with its various phases, and the upcoming full moon in March is no exception. In 2023, the full worm moon will grace the skies on March 7 at 7:42 A.M. E.T. (12:42 GMT). However, since this time falls during daylight hours in the Eastern time zone, it might be better to observe it earlier or later. The moon will remain visible for several days surrounding March 7.

Although the full moon is undoubtedly the most striking phase of the lunar cycle, the moon actually transitions through eight distinct phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent (before restarting the cycle). These phases are determined by the moon's position relative to Earth and the sun. A full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun from Earth's perspective.

Have you ever wondered why March's full moon is referred to as the worm moon and how full moons earn their unique nicknames? Dive into intriguing details about the worm moon, uncover the story behind its name, and explore other titles it goes by.

How the Worm Moon Got Its Name

The nicknames for each month's full moon, such as the cold moon and the hunter's moon, are often inspired by seasonal natural phenomena. While it was commonly believed that the March full moon derived its name from earthworms emerging from the thawing soil in early spring, the true origin of the worm moon title is more specific.

As documented in the Old Farmer's Almanac, Captain Jonathan Carver, during his 1760s travels among the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes, noted that the term "worm moon" actually referred to beetle larvae emerging from tree bark and other winter shelters as the snow began to melt.

March's Moon Has Many Names

The March moon is known by various other nicknames, many of which are rooted in nature and were coined by Native American tribes encountered by European explorers during their journeys across North America.

Some of the nicknames for the March full moon are linked to the reappearance or return of specific animals, such as:

Additional nicknames for the March moon are inspired by various natural phenomena, such as:

The March full moon can also be known by another name, depending on its timing relative to the spring equinox. If it reaches full phase before the equinox, it's called the "Lenten moon." If it occurs after, it's referred to as the "Paschal full moon." These terms have Christian roots, particularly tied to the observance of Lent.