The Pink Moon, also known as the April Full Moon, will take place on Tuesday, April 23 in 2024 around 07:49 EDT or 23: 49 UTC. This is the first full moon that marks the welcome of the beautiful Spring season in April 2023.
Unfortunately, as opposed to what most people think, the Pink Moon is actually just a normal full moon observed in April. It might show a different color depending on the reflection of the sunlight.
The name Pink Moon was first used in the Maine Farmer's Almanac, a yearly American Periodical. It published a list of all the Native American names of the moon phases every month. Pink Moon was used to refer to the full moon in April.
Why is it called the Pink Moon?
The word 'Pink Moon' comes from the herb pink moss or Phlox Subulata - a wildflower which blooms during the early springtime. These flowers usually grow in the North American region. Thus, the name Pink Moon associates with Springtime.
Moon Phases in April 2024
Last Quarter or Third Quarter Moon: It will be observed on April 1 at 11:15 PM ET
New Moon: It will be observed on April 08 at 02:21 PM ET
First Quarter Moon: It will be observed on April 15 around 03:13 PM ET
Full Moon or Pink Moon: It will be observed on April 23 at 07: 49 PM ET
When will the next Pink Moon appear?
The dates, day of the week, and approximate times of the Pink Moon for the next four years have been predicted as follows:
2025: 13th April at 00:22 UTC (Sunday)
2026: 2nd April at 02:12 UTC (Thursday)
2027: 20 April at 22:27 UTC (Tuesday)
2028: 9th April at 11:27 UTC (Saturday)
Religious and cultural significance of the Pink Moon
The Pink Moon is an important event that marks many religious and cultural holidays and festivities. It also has different names as per different cultures and people.
For Christians
For example, the Pink Moon is commonly known as the Paschal Moon among Christians. The word 'Paschal' refers to the Easter celebration. The Pink Moon is important because it is used to set the date of Easter. Usually, the Easter celebration takes place on the first Sunday after observing the Full Pink Moon.
This means that Easter will be celebrated on the 9th of April 2023.
For Jewish people
The Pink Moon is known as the Passover Moon among Jewish People. Passover is an important holiday in Judaism, to mark their freedom from Egypt. The Pink Moon helps to determine the date of this holiday.
The Jewish people use a lunar calendar. The beginning and end of this calendar are always a new moon and the full moon is observed in the middle of the month, around the 15th. The Passover is usually celebrated on the 15th. Thus, the Pink Moon marks the start of this holiday.
For Muslims
Muslims also follow a lunar calendar. The full moon has much symbolic importance in their religion. Last year, the Pink Moon was observed during the holy month of Ramadan.
For Hindus
The Pink Moon, or April Full Moon, is also an important event for the Hindus because it often coincides with the birth of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is an important figure in Hindu mythology and religion.
For Buddhists
The Pink Moon is an important event in Buddhism as well. It marks Bak Poya, an important national holiday in Sri Lanka that is used to commemorate Buddha's second visit to the country.
Pink Moon alternate names
Besides April Full Moon, the Pink Moon is known by a variety of other names some of which are used by Native Americans and Europeans.
As already stated before, the Pink Moon symbolizes Spring and fresh growth. This is why it has been given names like the following:
- Moon when the Streams are navigable again
- Breaking Ice Moon
- Moon of the Red Grass Appearing
- Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs
There are also many names associated with animals. Examples include:
- Moon when the Ducks come back
- Moon when the Geese Lay eggs
- Frog Moon
- Sucker Moon
The folklore behind the name Sucker Moon
The Pink Moon is also called the Sucker Moon because apparently, it is the best time to get Suckerfish which return to the lakes and streams. Many people believe that during this time, fishes from the spirit world visit the water bodies on earth to purify them.
Pink Moon is followed by the Full Moon in May or Flower Moon.
