Astronomical eventThe Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which is typically around September 22nd.
Timing: The Harvest Moon can happen in either September or October, depending on the lunar cycle. For example, in 2025, the Harvest Moon occurred in October.
Origin of the name: Historically, before the invention of electric lights, farmers relied on the bright moonlight to continue harvesting crops after sunset. For several nights around the autumnal equinox, the full moon rises at roughly the same time, providing extra light for a longer period.
Appearance: When low on the horizon, the Harvest Moon may appear larger and have a beautiful ochre-red color due to the light passing through a thicker part of Earth's atmosphere. However, it is not actually bigger in the sky.
Global traditions: Many cultures, including the Chinese, have celebrated this full moon with festivals and traditions.
Video game series
"Harvest Moon" is a life simulation and role-playing video game series focused on farming, animal care, and romance. The game series is known for its quiet, cozy gameplay, but its name is part of a complex trademark issue.
Original series (now Story of Seasons): The original games, developed by Marvelous Inc. in Japan under the title Bokujo Monogatari ("Farm Story"), were published in English by Natsume Inc. under the name Harvest Moon.
The split: In 2014, Marvelous decided to have its American subsidiary, Xseed Games, take over the localization. However, because Natsume owned the Harvest Moon trademark, Marvelous and Xseed had to rebrand the series to Story of Seasons.
New Harvest Moon games: Natsume began developing its own separate series of farming games, also under the Harvest Moon name, starting with Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley (2014).
Difference between the series: The original developer's series, Story of Seasons, continues to be made by the same creative team. The games developed by Natsume under the Harvest Moon name are new, separate games that many longtime fans feel do not capture the same spirit as the original series.
