Since ancient times, a full moon has been associated with crazy behavior. You know, the word “lunatic” comes from “luna” the name of the ancient moon goddess. Even Hippocrates, who is considered the “father of modern medicine,” blamed insanity on the moon goddess’s ride across the sky. Lunancy comes from the Latin word “lunaticus,” which means “moonstruck.” Full moons have been associated with monsters, werewolves, and vampires. Teachers have been known to “know” where there’s going to be a full moon because of the behavior (or maybe I should say, misbehavior) of their students. Emergency Room personnel swear that “folks do crazy things” when there is a full moon. We had such a crazy day in our office today. I said – “It must be a full moon!” Just joking, of course, and lo and behold – tomorrow night is a full moon! One interesting fact I learned is that the term “honeymoon” was named after the full moon in June, which was considered the best month to get married – after planting season and before harvesting time – who knew?
Of course, a full moon is actually a lunar phase when the moon is illuminated because it is on the exact opposite side of the Earth from the sun. This occurs approximately ever 29.5 days. We learn from Genesis 1:16 that “God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also.” Yes, the moon was created by God, and “God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:18b) I personally love to see a big full moon. So, “Shine on, shine on harvest moon – up in the sky!” God Bless, Courtney
interesting–I like.