Shine on Harvest Moon

 

 

Photo by Luca on Unsplash

"Because I'm still in love with you on this Harvest Moon." (Neil Young)

Look up to the skies tonight and you will see, clouds permitting, a beautiful full moon - a Harvest Moon, or Corn Moon. It actually occurred at 12.45am on September 21st here in the UK. (Click here to find out more on the fascinating Royal Museums Greenwich website.)

At this time, for several evenings, the Moon appears particularly big and bright and rises early, letting farmers continue harvesting their crops into the night. This moon is also sometimes named the Barley Moon, and is often the nearest full moon to the autumnal equinox.

In the past it's inspired poets and songwriters. Click here for a poem by Ted Hughes and here for one by Longfellow. Click here for Ruth Etting's 1931 'Shine on Harvest Moon' and here for Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon.'

There's a lot of folklore associated with full moons and the Harvest Moon is traditionally associated with new beginnings. 

Writing prompts:

• What seeds have you sown this year that have come to fruition? Are you ready to harvest your crop? Explore this in your writing.
  
• Write about the 'new beginnings' you are currently planning.
• If you're still in love with someone on this Harvest Moon (see above) write about them, and why they are special and wonderful.