Full Moon Walk December 18

 If you are looking to walk off some of the holiday calories and love the serenity of the winter woods under a glowing full moon, don’t miss the walk at the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, December 18 beginning at 6 p.m. This is the perfect activity to take a break from the rush of the holiday season and to unwind in the beauty of nature.

English translations of full moon names date back several hundred years to Native Americans living in the Eastern Woodlands located in the eastern United States. Tribes watched the cycles of the moon to keep track of the seasons; giving each full moon a distinctive name. Although there were variations in moon names between tribes, in general, the same names were used throughout the Algonkian community.

 

The December full moon will be the last full moon of 2021. Many tribes call this moon the “Long Nights Moon” which is fitting because the winter solstice on Tuesday, December 21 is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. What makes this moon special is that it stays above the horizon for a longer period of time than other full moons. The Mohawks called the December full moon the Cold Moon because of the frigid temperatures this time of year and the Western Abenaki called it the Winter Maker Moon.

 

Participants will join the Institute’s educators who will guide them along the museum’s trails on a short and easy walk. They will discuss the nighttime phenomena that people in the Eastern Woodlands have experienced for centuries. The walk ends at the museum’s replicated 16^th century Algonkian village where hot chocolate will be enjoyed around a campfire.

Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register for this event click here, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. The price of participation is $5 for members of the museum and $10 for non-members. In case of inclement weather call the museum on the day of the event at 860-868-0518 or check the Facebook page by clicking here.

 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.