Full Moon Lore

Full Moon Lore

Juvenile nonfiction
"The September full moon is the harvest moon.
This month brings the Autumnal Equinox.
The light of this moon lets farmers harvest their fields well into the
night.
The moon's orange glow is like a pumpkin ripening on the vine.
Corn, pumpkins, beans, and squash--
the Harvest Moon finds our
tables filled
with the garden's bounty."
I chose September because it's my birthday month. But any month
in Ellen Wahi's Full Moon Lore would have provided a perfect quote to
start this review off with. In February we have Snow Moon when drifts
cover everything and animals (and some people) find food to come by.
June brings Strawberry Moon. In July there's Buck Moon when male deer
grow antlers (and I suspect get ready to connect with does to
propogate the species).
These days, for the most part, people are insulated from the
natural cycle of life. People who harvest sap for syrup know when to
harvest their maple trees. Orono Community Gardeners know when to put
our garden to bed. But in a world where all foods are available year
round to those with money and access, we run our lives by clocks,
bells, buzzers, ring tones...oblivious to seasons as anything other
than settings for holidays...
...which is so not a good thing.
Full Moon Lore reminds readers how in the past each month's full
moon was named to help people properly observe the seasons. This is
something we need to be at least partly going back to if we want to
inhabit a sustainable world. Many available year round fruits, for
example, travel thousands of miles in semis (air pollution anyone?)
and are blandly generic.
Anyway Full Moon Lore is a wonderful book for sharing in familes
and other groups. Maybe a group year round observation could result
in a unique naming full moons manuscript.
I can just imagine what our capitalist on steroids society would
name full moons. November is Black Friday Moon. February is spend a
gazillion dollars to show her you love her moon. Have mercy!
On a personal note, I have a few minutes in my wonderful Christmas to
post this review. A storm that is predicted to last well into late
afternoon has deep sixed plans for a ride to the in-laws which is our
usual tradition. Amber and Brian rose to the occassion by hosting a
family get together yesterday afternoon so Eugene and I got to spend
quality time with all our three amazing children and Amber's Brian.
We made glitter globe ornaments. I used gold and silver glitter and
put lots of cat stickers on mine. We had fresh hot bread Brian made.
Katie slept over last night. It was great to have her sleeping in her
room and to make her chocolate chip pancakes this morning. Joey was
delighted to have his buddy home. I was glad to have a chance for us
to talk. We and Eugene opened gifts and were happy with what we
received.
Two of my very favorite people had an early visit from Santa in the
guise of the stork. Congrats, Erin and Matt!!! Your baby is adorable!!!
A great big shout out goes out to my wonderful family! Also to Erin,
Matt, and their precious baby! And to you, dear readers. Hope you're
having a happy and safe Christmas!
jules hathaway




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