April’s full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will illuminate the sky on the night of Wednesday, April 5, reaching its peak illumination at 12:37 A.M. EDT on the 6th. This year, April’s full moon is also the Paschal full moon, making it an important moon for those who celebrate Easter. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pink Moon, including its origins, folklore, and moon phase dates.
When to see the Full Moon in April 2023
To catch a glimpse of April’s full Pink Moon, venture outside on the night of Wednesday, April 5. Although the full moon actually reaches peak illumination at 12:37 A.M. While it will reach its maximum on Eastern Time on Thursday, April 6, the full moon will be at its peak during the night of April 5 in time zones further west. For the best view of this lovely spring moon, find an open area and watch as the moon rises just above the horizon, at which point it will appear its biggest and take on a golden hue!
Paschal Full Moon: The First Full Moon of Spring
The Paschal Full Moon, occurring in April, marks the first full moon of the spring season that commenced on March 20, 2023, with the spring equinox. This moon holds special significance for those observing Easter, as its date determines the timing of Easter. The Paschal Full Moon sets the date for Easter, which falls on the first Sunday after the full moon. Therefore, this year’s Easter celebration is on April 9, following the full moon on April 5-6.
Why Is It called the Pink Moon?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses full moon names from various sources like Native American, Colonial American, and European cultures. In the past, each full moon name was not only assigned to the full moon but also to the entire lunar month in which it occurred. Unfortunately, the origin of the name does not relate to the Pink moon’s actual color, and it may not be as mystical or captivating as we would like it to be. In truth, April full Pink Moon often corresponded with the early springtime blooms of a certain wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata—commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox—which also went by the name “moss pink.” Thanks to this seasonal association, this full moon came to be called the Pink Moon!
Moon Phases for April 2023
The phases of the Moon throughout April 2023, here are the key dates and times for each phase in Eastern Time:
New Moon: April 4, 2023 at 4:15 A.M.
First Quarter: April 11, 2023 at 12:32 P.M.
Full Moon (Pink Moon): April 6, 2023 at 12:37 A.M.
Last Quarter: April 19, 2023 at 6:02 P.M.
Alternative April moon names
In April moon names, references to spring abound! The Algonquin’s Breaking Ice Moon and the Dakota’s Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable are names that signify the early spring season’s melting ice and increased mobility. The Tlingit’s Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs and the Oglala’s Moon of the Red Grass Appearing refer to the imminent plant growth that will flourish.
Additionally, some names are in reference to the return of certain animals, such as the Lakota’s Moon When the Ducks Come Back, Dakota’s Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs, and the Cree’s Frog Moon. Along the same vein, Sucker Moon (Anishinaabe) notes the time to harvest sucker fish, which return to streams or lake shallows to spawn. As per legend, during this time, the sucker fish returns from the spirit world to purify the bodies of water and the creatures dwelling within them.
April Moon facts and folklore
The full Moon in April is known as the Pink Moon due to the seasonal blooming of the creeping phlox or moss phlox, which is also known as “moss pink.” While this name may not be as mystical as some may hope, it is still a nod to the natural beauty of the season.
However, there are alternative names for the April full Moon that reflect other natural phenomena occurring during this time. The Algonquin people called it the Breaking Ice Moon, while the Tlingit referred to it as the Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs. The Dakota people called it the Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable, while the Cree named it the Frog Moon.
The Paschal Full Moon
This year, the full Moon in April is also the Paschal Full Moon, which holds great significance for those who celebrate Easter. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which means that it will fall on Sunday, April 9 this year.
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The Paschal Full Moon is the first full Moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox. It marks the beginning of the Easter season, which is a time of rebirth and renewal. For Christians, it is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his resurrection from the dead.
