The year 2016 is turning into a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But collectively it provides us with an all-too-rare chance to witness a Strawberry Moon, so let’s come together this one night only, toss off our robes, wash our hair in the river, and get down to party!
What is this Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon was given its name by the Algonquian tribes, those Native Americans who predominated from the Atlantic Coast along the Saint Lawrence River to the Great Lakes. It is the full moon which occurs every June, but this year coincides with the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice, a happy union realised but once every 70 years, making this Strawberry Moon the chance of a lifetime for many of us.
The long hours of daylight provided by the summer solstice and the full moon’s wide-eyed expression cause a phenomenon known as ‘lunar blushing’. This is when the moon – contrary to its own best intentions – with an excess of time and vision catches all of us earth dwellers in various states of undress.
The sheer embarrassment our denuded bodies cause the moon is enough to make it blush bright red, just like a strawberry! The vivid colour and the moon’s splendid brilliance send our eyes out of sorts, our blurry sight giving the Strawberry Moon the effect of seeming seeded. And for the pièce de résistance, as we stare fuzzily up at the night’s shining glory, the moon only goes and sprouts a green top, completing the impersonation.
How should I celebrate the Strawberry Moon?
With the very fruit that gives the festivity its name – the humble strawberry! Blitz up a strawberry milkshake, add lemons and a sprinkling of sugar for a mouthwatering strawberry lemonade, or for the adults, why not a shot of strawberry vodka or a refreshing and timely – it is tennis season after all – Pimm’s strawberry.
Wrap up warm and wait for night to fall, lay out a picnic under the stars as they shine a peculiar shade of pinkish crimson, or head to a local park and join all the other revellers as they freak out under the Strawberry Moon and make love and party. This outdoors disco comes with its own shining globe! No lip gloss needed – tonight all of our kisses will taste like strawberry!
