The Mohawk people call December the Time of the Cold Moon. December is the start of real winter for us here in the Mid-Atlantic, and many of this month’s full moon names reflect that. The Creek call this moon the Big Winter Moon, the Shoshone refer to the Winter Moon, the Abenaki call it the Winter Maker Moon, and the Oneida call this moon the It’s a Long Night Moon, which is relates to the Winter Solstice, which occurs this month and is in fact the longest night of the year. In my mind the Cold Moon is always linked to hibernation: animals are hibernating, and we humans spend more time inside, slowing down and getting cozy. It’s also the time we start to find things iced over. To celebrate this full moon we decided to freeze a winter “moon catcher.” If it’s not quite cold enough to freeze the ice outside where you live, the freezer will do the job too!
Cold Moon Ice “Moon Catcher”
This is a simple yet effective project for a chilly day. If your area doesn’t get cold enough to freeze the moons you can use the freezer instead.
Materials:
- water
- round recycled plastic containers or cake pans
- found nature items (like evergreen, holly, pinecones, etc)
- some string or twine
Method:
Fill your containers with natural items and arrange as desired.
Fill the containers with water (leave a little room for the ice to expand) and stick a loop of twine into the water. This way it will freeze in place and you can use it to hang your moon catcher.
Place the container in a shady spot outside to freeze. Overnight is usually a good bet. (Or stick it in the freezer)
Once it’s frozen hang your moon catcher on a tree branch and enjoy!
