Hey There!
I know as Voodooisants, that little heed is paid to the moon, its various phases, etc. But there is some pretty interesting facts (and lore) about the individual full moons and traditions that go along with some of them.
The July full moon, which is coming up this Monday, July 21st, has a few different names associated with it, depending on what occupation or population was working by it.
Hunters often call the July moon the "Full Buck Moon" as this is the month that buck deer begin to push new antlers out covered in a rich velvety covering.
Farmers have 2 names for the July Moon. One is the "Full Thunder Moon" because of the many storms during this month. The other name is the "Full Hay Moon" as it is typically the month when most second hay cuttings are done -- which is the richest and most plentiful hay of the season.
American Indians and Colonial Americans called this moon the "Moon of Middle Summer" or just "Midsummer Moon" (Nice to know they agreed on something back then ;-) )
The Cherokee call it the "Ripe Corn Moon" as this is when the corn harvest began for them.
The Chinese call this the "Hungry Ghost Moon" and if you read a bit about it, it sounds somewhat like out Fet Ghede. Each year, for the entire 7th Lunar month, the traditional Chinese observe this month as the month dedicated to the wandering souls and the ancestors who have passed on. This year, 25 Jul 2006 marks as the first day of the 7th Lunar Month. It is believed by the ancient Chinese that on this day, the ghosts could come up from the "below". And it is also believed that those who died young or in unusual circumstances could become wandering souls. Unless their relatives have arranged for the proper conducting of ritual to raise them up from such status, they would remain wandering all the time. And during this month, the traditional Chinese would offer their departed ancestors or relatives as well as the wandering souls with food and joss-papers (money for the nether world). If you hit Google, you can find some pretty ornate photos of altars used to feed dem hungry ones!
The more Pagan-minded among is might recognize the July full moon as the "Mead Moon".The Mead Moon is the time of observance of the making of mead, a sweet wine, or harvesting honey and making herbal teas.
I did find some references to this month also being called the "Claiming Moon" but I'm not sure about the background on that. I think it could have to do with courtship, maybe. If anyone has any ideas about this one, please pipe in!
I think my favorite so far is the "Hungry Ghost Moon" - there is just soooo much to like about that!
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Thunder Moon
July Full Moon 2007