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Winter Maker Moon

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“December’s full moon is most commonly known as the Cold Moon—a Mohawk name that conveys the frigid condition of the time of year when cold weather truly grips us. Various American indigenous tribes traditionally used the monthly Moons and nature’s corresponding signs as a calendar to track the seasons.

Other names that allude to the cold and snow are Drift Clearing Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Cherokee), Winter Maker Moon (Wester Abenaki), and Long Night Moon (Mohican).

The December full moon rises during the ‘longest’ night of the year, near the Winter Solstice. December’s full moon shines above the horizon for a longer period of time than most other full moons, hence the name “Long Night Moon.” In Europe, ancient pagans called the December full moon the “Moon Before Yule,” in honor of the yuletide festival celebrating the return of the sun heralded by the winter solstice.” (Wikipedia.com)

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It was a brutally cold winter night, the type of coldness that reached into my bones, as if my heart were a door left wide open to the icy wind, slamming only to open again. I keep moving heading toward home and the steady warmth of the hearth. My breaths rise as new white-puffed clouds. The cold winter has settled in for the long embrace with Mother Earth, like lovers reunited, beneath frost-laced eiderdown. Into the black heavens, upon this clear winter night, comes the grace and peace of a white-gold full moon. behind the snow clouds peeks the Winter Maker Moon shows its pristine face appears amidst stars elevates all the souls to the ethereal plane

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Paige Hind

Date: 12/27/2023 6:12:00 PM

Never knew all these facts. And I love the moon called "Winter Maker"- beautiful.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/28/2023 4:42:00 AM

thank you! I appreciate your words and your visits, hugs, Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/27/2023 2:23:00 AM

A very informative and enjoyable read Sara. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas celebration. Happy New year to you. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/27/2023 4:43:00 PM

thank you kindly, Tom, for your visit and for your comments. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year! Sara

Mat Ignacio

Date: 12/26/2023 7:29:00 PM

a lovely image

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/27/2023 4:42:00 PM

thank you, Mat...have a splendid evening, Sara

Bill Baker

Date: 12/26/2023 6:33:00 PM

lovely imagery in both parts of your Haibun, Sara. I also enjoyed the background information of what different peoples call the moon. Thanks for sharing your thought and gifts with us, my Eastside Writing Bear. Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/27/2023 4:41:00 PM

thank you, sweet hubby! You're most kind....hugs from your Westside Writing bear, Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 12/26/2023 3:07:00 PM

Ah ive seen the moon tonight, it’s absolutely gorgeous like a citrine pearl showing us beauty of her shining phase, once again. I love yes always knowing the name of each full moon every month. And cold moon it is but warms our soul. This december has been a bit rough here too, i love the haiku too, and also your haibun flows so well in such a seamless manner as always. Im getting there to writing a hiabun soon. Ethereal plane … so celestial. Pleasure reading you.sending you light always

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/26/2023 5:05:00 PM

thanks, dear Ink, for your comments. I have my father to thank for the names of different moons and seasons. Sorry to hear that your winter has been tough. Ours has been mild for a change...no snow or ice yet. I'll take it. The moon here is almost as beautiful as it was last night. I appreciate your 'celestial' thoughts :-) have a great evening, Sara

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 12/26/2023 2:58:00 PM

It seems so true that during winter moons we feel elevated, almost out of body. Winter is such a time of quiet and sleep. Your poem makes my mind race. Thank you for a thought-provoking poem

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/26/2023 5:06:00 PM

you're so right, Hilda. Last night I felt that way. I thought I could sail up to the moon and touch it...it was a breathtaking experience. Have a wonderful evening, Sara

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/26/2023 7:03:00 AM

Very nice, especially the mention of the “ frost-laced eiderdown.”

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/26/2023 10:07:00 AM

thank you, dear Kim, for your visit and your kind comments.

Silent One

Date: 12/26/2023 5:17:00 AM

Hi Sara, your prose this poem effectively combines sensory details, metaphorical language, and vivid imagery to create a rich and layered depiction of a winter night. The interplay between the harshness of the elements, the comforting notion of home, and the celestial beauty above results in a captivating and emotionally resonant piece... You are so good at your haiku and finish your poem perfectly with them..

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/26/2023 10:08:00 AM

thank you, Silent One, for reading with purpose and with attention to detail. I appreciate your thoughts and feedback more than you know. Your comments are always encouraging. Have a splendid day, Sara