Harvest Moon

I’ve always marveled at the beauty of the full moon in the cool seasons and especially the Harvest Moon in the fall. The one Monday night (September 24th) was especially beautiful and so-o-o bright. As the moon shone through our bedroom window, it was almost like having the light on!

What is a Harvest Moon?

It is a full moon that rises near the horizon shortly after sunset around the time of the autumn equinox. Because it arises near the horizon, it appears bigger in size and orange in color. The orange tint occurs because “you’re looking through a greater thickness of Earth’s atmosphere when you gaze up and overhead.” (EarthSky)

Named so because it allowed farmers to harvest their crops by moonlight, the Harvest Moon remains one of the highlights of the fall season.

Don’t forget to look up tonight!

Shine on Harvest Moon
Lyrics by Jack Norworth Words by Nora Bays & Jack Norworth

The night was mighty dark so you could hardly see,
For the moon refused to shine.
Couple sitting underneath a willow tree,
For love they did pine,
Little maid was kinda ‘fraid of darkness
So she said, “I guess I’ll go.”
Boy began to sigh, looked up at the sky,
Told the moon his little tale of woe:

“oh, shine on, shine on harvest moon up in the sky.
I ain’t had no lovin’ since January, February, June or July
Snowtime ain’t no time to stay outdoors and spoon,
So shine on, shine on harvest moon – for me and my gal !”

I can’t see why a boy should sigh,
When by his side is the girl he loves so true,
All he has to say is:
“won’t you be my bride,
For I love you,
Why should I be telling you this secret,
When I know that you can guess?,”
Harvest moon will smile,
Shine on all the while,
If the little girl should answer “yes.”

“oh, shine on, shine on harvest moon up in the sky.
I ain’t had no lovin’ since January, February, June or July
Snowtime ain’t no time to stay outdoors and spoon
So shine on, shine on harvest moon – for me and my gal !”