February is the snowiest month where I live, and according to the National Weather Service it’s the snowiest month nationwide. According to the Farmer’s Almanac’s list, this month’s full moon is called the Snow Moon based on the report of Captain Jonathan Carver, a colonial expedition leader who claimed the Lakota people called it that. The translation of the Lakota name that I have found is substantially more poetic: When Trees Crack Because of Cold Moon. Similarly, the Abenaki people observe the Makes Branches Fall in Pieces Moon. The Arapaho call this the Frost Sparkling in the Sun Moon, and the Comanche call it the Sleet Moon.
One of the simplest ways to celebrate this snowy full moon (aside from just going outside and playing in the snow!) is to make paper snowflakes. The trick in making lovely paper snowflakes is in the way you fold the paper– even toddler made snowflakes look fancier when folded like this. You can also use coffee filters if you prefer for a similar result.
Folding Paper Snowflakes
If you are starting with a rectangular piece of paper, fold the left corner down diagonally so it makes a triangle and is flush with the opposite edge. Trim off the skinny rectangle that falls below your folded triangle. (If you start with a square, just fold your paper in half diagonally.)
Next, fold your triangle in half diagonally again.
Now the trickiest part, fold your triangle in even thirds. fold one edge down and then the next.
You should now have what I can only describe as a star trek symbol lol. Cut it straight across the bottom so that you have a skinny triangle. This is what you cut your snowflake into!
Now cut into the triangle from both sides as simply or elaborately as you would like. You can also draw out a design before you cut. Unfold and admire your handiwork!