June
Strawberry Moon
Known as the Strawberry Moon, it marked the time of the first harvests.
Also called
Rose Moon · Mead Moon
Origin of the name
Among the peoples of the Great Lakes, the wild strawberry season is brief: barely one lunation. The almanacs made it June’s moon. Europe said rose moon, or mead moon — this was the wedding season, and newlyweds were served honey wine. Some see in it the origin of the "honeymoon"; the etymology is disputed, but the image has stayed.
The story goes…
It was said that June’s full moon is the lowest of the year: closest to the solstice, it traces the exact reverse of the sun’s path and skims the horizon all night long. That is why it so often appears golden, amber — its light crosses more atmosphere, like a setting sun.
The almanac’s word
The lowest moon of the year is also the most colourful: June gives full moons of honey, in the literal sense.