The Harvest Moon began on Friday, September 9, 2022 and peaks as a full moon on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 5:59 a.m. It continues until September 11, 2022.
It is named the"Harvest Moon" because this particular moonrise, that occurs very shortly after sundown for a few successive evenings, gives extra light to farmers harvesting their summer crops.
The full moon in September is culturally significant in many Asian countries as well. The Chinese traditionally mark September's full moon with a Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival during which the moon is celebrated, friends and family gather, and mooncakes are eaten. In Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a holiday to give gifts and show appreciation to friends and family. Similarly, in Japan, Tsukimi (or moon viewing) is a time to picnic outdoors under the Harvest Moon. Vietnam holds a Children's Festival and the Philippines and other Asian countries also recognize the Mid-Autumn Festival as well.