What is a Blue Moon?

Every two or three years, the night sky treats us to a rare celestial spectacle – the Blue Moon. But what exactly is a Blue Moon, and why does it hold such fascination in our cultural and mythological history?

A Blue Moon is not actually blue in color; rather, it is a name for the second full moon to occur within a calendar month. Typically, there are 12 full moons in a year, one for each month. However, because our calendar months do not perfectly align with lunar months, occasionally, we get the extra gift of a 13th full moon.

In various cultures, the Blue Moon is surrounded by fascinating beliefs. In European folklore, the Blue Moon was associated with increased supernatural occurrences and was thought to be a time when witches and other mystical beings held special gatherings. It was thought that it could bring about erratic behavior in animals, which could then affect people. Additionally, planting crops or starting major projects during a Blue Moon was considered ill-fated. In some Native American traditions, it symbolized a time for introspection and reflection, urging individuals to review their actions and decisions.

Nowadays, the phrase "once in a blue moon" has been adopted into popular culture to describe rare or infrequent events. It's often used to convey the idea that something is happening very rarely or almost never.

Whether you view it as a time for self-reflection or a night of enchantment, the Blue Moon continues to be a source of wonder, reminding us of the enduring connection between the cosmos and our cultural narratives. So, the next time you witness this celestial rarity, take a moment to ponder the centuries of traditions and stories that have been woven around this magical event.