Will 2025 Have a Harsh Winter? Appalachian Folklore Looks to the Moon

When I went outside with the dogs last night, the moon was so big and bright! Not quite full, though. That happens tonight. It is a special two-fer supermoon that may also prepare us for the winter months ahead. I will explain.

Native Americans named the full moon that occurs in October the Hunter's Moon. The brighter light in the sky made for better hunting conditions as they prepared to stock up for colder months. You'll be able to see it in all of its glory tonight.

Because it's the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox, it's also the Harvest Moon. Talk about an overachiever, this moon is supermoon-status as well, because of its proximity to Earth as it orbits. That means it will appear larger to the naked eye. Remember that as you keep reading...

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Now, before folks could turn on Eyewitness News to learn weather predictions, they observed signs in nature. Appalachian folklore was passed down from the Native Americans as an early radar system. Here is how it goes:

@montanamcc Winter prediction according to Appalachian Folklore by looking at the full moon on October 6th. #appalachia #appalachianmountains #appalachian #folklore ♬ original sound - Montana

I just love her accent! OK, so the size and color of the moon and whether or not there is a "ring" around it are details we need to look for.  Unfortunately, it is supposed to rain in our area this evening. If you live somewhere with clear skies tonight, could you let me know? I wonder if anyone has ever tracked this to see whether it is accurate or not. Either way, I'll never grow out of appreciating the beauty of a full moon.