The snow moon, full moon drumming in February

The explanation for the name of the February full moon is quite simple: it is known as the snow moon because February was on average the snowiest month of the year in the northern hemisphere. The ancient tribes called this moon that because the trees cracked in the cold or because people had to sit shoulder to shoulder around the fire to keep warm. Even the Celts called it the ice moon.

The February full moon is also called the bone moon

As befits the coldest month of the year, the snow moon is also known by more sinister names, for example Bone Moon. The Cherokee tribe called it this because by this time the tribe's winter supplies had usually dwindled to such an extent that the people had to gnaw on bones and cook bone marrow soup in order to survive. For the same reason, the Kalapuya tribe also called this moon the moon without food. Accordingly, it is also known as the hunger moon and small hunger moon known. Perhaps because this month is associated with death, the Cherokee spoke with their dead ancestors during this moon. A didanawiskawi, a medicine man, held a medicine dance for the community. Fasting and rituals for the dead were also common.

Not all cultures associate the full moon in February with extreme cold and death.

The Hopi tribe call it the moon of cleansing and renewal, which is very fitting as the snow moon is usually the first full moon of the year according to the lunar calendar. Cultures that follow the lunar calendar, especially East Asian cultures, often associate the full snow moon with new beginnings for this reason. The ancient Chinese, for example, called it the Bud Moon.

In various East Asian countries, the full moon in February is the highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations. In China, the Snow Full Moon is celebrated during the Lantern Festival , also known as the Yuanxiao Festival. During this festival, the Chinese release Kongming lanterns into the sky while admiring the full moon and eating Tangyuan, glutinous rice balls usually filled with sweet paste. The round shape of the balls symbolizes the togetherness of the family and brings good luck to the whole family.

(The information here comes from: moongiant.com, factsite.com, almanac.com, and timeanddate.com)

Full moon drumming as a ritual

Since 1997, we at feeltone have been drumming for 2.5 - 3 hours every month at full moon. Either outside by the campfire or inside. Always in a circle and connected to the time quality of the moon.

For us, this is like meditation, which is also practiced worldwide. The purpose of both is similar: it's about pausing and stopping individuality for a moment. We create our realities through our thinking and get caught up in them all too quickly. That's why it's good to stop thinking from time to time. In this way, the brain waves experience new paths and solutions. Afterwards, we are refreshed, calmer and better connected.

Taking part is very simple

Take whatever instruments you can find (including your voice!) and simply make noises - either on your own or with friends. It doesn't matter how well you play - all you need to do is create a groove and get into the rhythm of the world's heartbeat.

We are touched by the stories of many of you who have begun to participate in this monthly global community. Feel free to write a comment below this post about what your ritual was like.

Build your own ritual drum

If you want to unleash the power of your own drum, you can build and consecrate your own ritual drum in Martina's drum building course. Or you can order a drum kit in our store and build your own drum at home.