Why April’s Full Moon is Called the ‘Pink Moon’ — And Is it micromoon?

As spring awakens the Earth, April brings with it a celestial event that captures hearts and eyes alike — the full moon known as the Pink Moon. Despite what the name suggests, this full moon doesn’t bathe the night sky in shades of rosy pink. Instead, the name evokes the tender hues of early spring flowers and the cultural significance deeply rooted in generations past. Skywatchers in 2025 are in for an added treat, as this particular Pink Moon is also a micromoon, appearing slightly smaller due to its distance from Earth.

Full Moon Pink Moon: Meaning, Origins, and Significance

The term full moon pink moon refers to the full moon that rises in April, traditionally associated with the blooming of wildflowers and the arrival of spring. This moon has captivated many cultures, and in 2025, it reaches its peak illumination on April 12 at 8:22 p.m. ET, glowing gently over places like Hyannis in the United States and viewable in India during the early morning of April 13.

Contrary to its name, the moon will not appear pink in color. Instead, the name traces back to Phlox subulata, also called moss phlox or creeping phlox, a bright pink flower that blooms in early spring across North America. These flowers were so emblematic of April’s seasonal shift that early Native American tribes and Colonial settlers used them to name this lunar phase. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has popularized this naming tradition since the 1930s.

In 2025, the Pink Moon is not just symbolic of blooming nature—it is also a micromoon, occurring when the moon is at or near its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit. As a result, the moon appears about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer compared to a supermoon. NASA planetary scientist Dr. Noah Petro explains that this variation is due to the moon’s elliptical orbit, which causes its distance from Earth to fluctuate throughout the year.

Still, the beauty of the full moon — whether large or small — never ceases to inspire. Stargazers are encouraged to observe the event with binoculars or telescopes in areas free from light pollution for the best viewing experience.

Spiritual and Cultural Symbolism of the Pink Moon

Across the world, the full moon pink moon carries spiritual resonance. In the Christian calendar, this moon is called the Paschal Moon, which determines the date of Easter. Falling after the spring equinox, this full moon marks a key point in the ecclesiastical calendar, influencing religious observances across the globe.

Among Hindus, this moon aligns with Hanuman Jayanti, the birth celebration of Lord Hanuman, a symbol of strength, devotion, and courage. For Buddhists, particularly in Sri Lanka, the Pink Moon is known as Bak Poya, marking Buddha’s historical visit to mediate peace among rival clans, thereby emphasizing wisdom and reconciliation.

Native American tribes have long named full moons based on seasonal changes and natural occurrences. For April, different tribes have assigned a variety of meaningful names:

• Moon When the Ducks Come Back – Lakota
• Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs – Dakota
• Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs – Tlingit
• Sucker Moon – Anishinaabe, referring to the return of sucker fish for spawning

Each of these names reflects not just the moon itself but the life blooming around it — flora returning, animals migrating, and waterways thawing after winter.

What Makes the April 2025 Full Moon Special?

This year’s Pink Moon stands out not just for its spiritual depth and seasonal symbolism but also for its physical characteristics. It’s a micromoon, meaning it will appear slightly smaller due to its distance from Earth — about 30,000 miles farther than the year’s largest supermoon.

This size difference may be imperceptible to the casual observer, but experienced skywatchers — and anyone with access to side-by-side lunar photos — can spot the change. According to astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, this micromoon will appear 6% smaller than the average full moon, adding a unique flavor to an already celebrated lunar event.

Other 2025 Full Moon Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

If the full moon pink moon has sparked your curiosity, there’s more in store. Here are the upcoming full moons and their traditional names as shared by the Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• May 12 – Flower Moon
• June 11 – Strawberry Moon
• July 10 – Buck Moon
• August 9 – Sturgeon Moon
• September 7 – Corn Moon
• October 6 – Harvest Moon
• November 5 – Beaver Moon
• December 4 – Cold Moon

Each of these moons carries its own seasonal associations, often tied to agricultural practices or animal behavior, just like the Pink Moon.

Tips for Best Viewing

To fully appreciate the celestial beauty of the Pink Moon, consider the following tips:

• Find a location far from urban lights
• Use binoculars or a telescope for detail
• Check weather forecasts for clear skies
• Look just after moonrise for the most dramatic view

Whether you view it as a spiritual symbol, a celestial marvel, or a cultural tradition, the full moon pink moon offers a deeply human connection to the cosmos and the rhythms of nature.

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FAQs about the Full Moon Pink Moon

Why is April’s full moon called the Pink Moon?

It is named after the pink wildflower Phlox subulata, which blooms in early spring. The name reflects seasonal change, not the moon’s color.

Is the Pink Moon actually pink?

No, the moon appears its usual white or golden color. The “pink” label comes from flowers associated with springtime.

What is a micromoon?

A micromoon occurs when the full moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth (apogee), making it appear slightly smaller than usual.

How is the Pink Moon connected to Easter?

The first full moon after the spring equinox is called the Paschal Moon and determines the date of Easter Sunday in Christianity.

When will the next full moon after the Pink Moon occur?

The next full moon, the Flower Moon, will peak on May 12, 2025.