The next full moon, coming up soon, is particularly notable. Often referred to as the Buck Moon, it is also known by several other names: the Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Mead Moon, Guru Purnima, Asalha Puja (which is also called Dharma Day or Esala Poya). When to See the Buck Moon: Mark your calendars! The Buck Moon peaks on Sunday, July 21st at 4:47 pm IST, according to NASA. Don't worry if you miss the exact moment, though. The moon will appear full for a whole weekend, from Friday evening to Monday morning. What's the Story Behind the Name? The Buck Moon's name comes from the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States. They named it after the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their new antlers. This full moon also has other nicknames! It's called the Thunder Moon due to frequent summer storms. Europeans named it the Hay Moon or Mead Moon because it coincides with haymaking and brewing mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink. Cultural Significance of the Buck Moon: This full moon holds special meaning for many cultures. It falls in the middle of the sixth month in the Chinese lunar calendar (Year of the Dragon!), the month of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar, and Muharram in the Islamic calendar. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, this full moon is a time for honoring spiritual teachers. It's called Guru Purnima, or the Guru Full Moon, and is a time for reflection and honoring one's guru. Theravada Buddhists celebrate Asalha Puja, a festival marking the Buddha's first sermon after achieving enlightenment. This sermon is considered the foundation of Buddhist teachings and includes the Four Noble Truths. The Buck Moon also marks the beginning of Vassa, a three-month rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks.
