Long awaited, much anticipated and most welcome, April’s “Pink Moon” is just around the corner on April 1. The name owes its origin to the early Native American naming traditions that linked full moons to seasonal changes. While the moon is not actually pink, it dawns bright the same time as a popular wildflower appears across eastern North America. Named Moss Phlox, it is also known as Pink Moss – a popular harbinger of Spring.
The Pink Moon is the first Full Moon of Spring, appearing after the spring equinox (March 20, this year). Think of April as the month when nature wakes up after the cold winter season. As such, it represents new birth and beginnings as trees and flowers come to life.
This is the beginning of a 3-month spring-time progression of moon names linked to the most fertile season of the year:
| Month/Date | Moon Name | What it Reflects |
| April 1 | Pink Moon | First spring flowers |
| May 1 | Flower Moon | Flowering Season |
| June 29 | Strawberry Moon | First Fruit Harvest |
The Spring moon’s arrival coincides with two major religious holidays, Easter and Passover. The Christian holiday of Easter is normally celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring, while the Jewish Holiday of Passover, which lasts for 8 days, begins in the first Spring month of the Hebrew calendar. This season also brings holidays that honor parents and our shared earth.
| Holiday | Date |
| Earth Day | April 22 |
| Mother’s Day | My 10 |
| Father’s Day | June 2 |
Research on the origin and meaning of April’s Pink Moon gave rise to a search for Pink Moon-themed projects. This pretty, free little knit shawl is named in honor of April’s Moon. Think of it as something to make and wear for Springtime walks or outdoor stargazing. If you’re looking for the ideal pink DK weight yarn, you will find more than one optionhere. The pattern calls forcircular needles to accommodate its growing width. A set of interchangeable needles allows for the easiest accommodation.
It turns out that April is a pretty active month in the Astronomical world. In addition to the Pink Moon on April 1, here are a few potentially viewable events:
- April 4: Comet Peak: A bright "Easter Comet" peaks. This will be best viewed on a clear southwest horizon, with potential for a long tail visible to the naked eye.
- April 4 (approx.): Mercury at Greatest Elongation: Mercury will be at its farthest from the Sun in the evening sky, providing the best opportunity for viewing, according to The Planetary Society.
- Mid-April (April 17-26): "Golden Window" for Comets: A rare opportunity to see two comets at the same time in the sky
- April 18-20: Planetary Alignment & Conjunctions: A planetary alignment of Mercury, Mars, and Saturn will form a rare conjunction
- April 21-22: Lyrids Meteor Shower Peak: This shower is expected to peak with roughly 20 meteors per hour.
- April 23-24: Venus–Pleiades Conjunction: Venus will pass near the Pleiades star cluster in the evening sky, a visually stunning event, depending on your location.
- Note: To check visibility in your area, consult your local astronomical society or one of the many sites online devoted to the subject.