Harvest moon (disambiguation) – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**Harvest Moon (disambiguation)**

**Definition:**
Harvest Moon primarily refers to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, traditionally signaling the time for harvesting crops. The term „Harvest Moon” is also used in various cultural, artistic, and entertainment contexts, including music, video games, films, and literature.

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# Harvest Moon (disambiguation)

The term **Harvest Moon** originates from a natural phenomenon—the full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox, which historically provided extra light for farmers to gather their crops. Beyond its astronomical and agricultural significance, „Harvest Moon” has been adopted widely across different media and cultural expressions. This article explores the various uses of „Harvest Moon” in music, video games, film, literature, and other domains.

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## Astronomical and Cultural Significance

### The Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, typically in September or early October in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike other full moons, the Harvest Moon rises soon after sunset for several nights in a row, providing extended evening light. This phenomenon was especially important in pre-industrial societies, as it allowed farmers to work late into the night during the critical harvest period.

### Cultural Importance
The Harvest Moon has been celebrated in many cultures through festivals and folklore. For example, the Mid-Autumn Festival in East Asia coincides with the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox and is associated with mooncakes and family reunions. In Western cultures, the Harvest Moon symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and the changing of seasons.

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## Music

The phrase „Harvest Moon” has inspired numerous musical works, ranging from albums and songs to band names.

### Albums

– **Harvest Moon (Neil Young album)** (1992)
One of the most famous uses of the term in music is Neil Young’s 1992 album *Harvest Moon*. The album is a sequel of sorts to his 1972 album *Harvest* and features a folk-rock style with themes of love, nature, and reflection. The title track, „Harvest Moon,” is particularly well-known and has become a staple in Young’s repertoire.

– **Harvest Moon (Blue Öyster Cult album)** (1998)
Blue Öyster Cult released an album titled *Harvest Moon* in 1998. This album marked a return to the band’s classic rock roots and included themes of mysticism and Americana.

### Songs

– **”Harvest Moon” (Neil Young song)**
The title track from Neil Young’s 1992 album, „Harvest Moon,” is a romantic folk ballad that evokes the imagery of the moonlit autumn night and enduring love.

– **”Harvest Moon” by 2Yoon**
A song by the South Korean duo 2Yoon, blending K-pop with country influences, released in the 2010s.

– **Other songs titled „Harvest Moon”**
Various artists across genres have songs named „Harvest Moon,” often drawing on the moon’s symbolic associations with change, romance, or nature.

### Bands and Artists

While no major band is named „Harvest Moon,” the term has occasionally been used in band names or as a thematic element in musical projects.

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## Video Games

The term „Harvest Moon” is widely recognized in the context of video games, particularly farming simulation games.

### Harvest Moon Series

– **Overview**
The *Harvest Moon* series is a long-running franchise of farming simulation role-playing games originally developed by Victor Interactive Software (later Marvelous Inc.) and published by Natsume in North America. The series debuted in 1996 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

– **Gameplay**
Players typically manage a farm, growing crops, raising livestock, mining, fishing, and interacting with townspeople. The games emphasize time management, relationship-building, and seasonal cycles, often incorporating marriage and family-raising mechanics.

– **Legacy and Influence**
The *Harvest Moon* series is credited with popularizing the farming sim genre and inspiring numerous similar games, including the highly successful *Stardew Valley*.

### Name Changes and Spin-offs

– **Story of Seasons**
Due to licensing changes, the original Japanese *Harvest Moon* series is now released internationally under the title *Story of Seasons*. Meanwhile, Natsume retained the *Harvest Moon* name and began producing separate games under that title.

– **Harvest Moon (2014 video game)**
A game developed by Natsume for the Nintendo 3DS and later platforms, unrelated to the original Japanese series but continuing under the *Harvest Moon* brand.

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## Film and Television

The term „Harvest Moon” has been used as a title or theme in various films and television productions.

### Films

– **Harvest Moon (1936 film)**
An American drama film directed by Ralph Staub, focusing on rural life and the challenges of farming communities.

– **Harvest Moon (2015 film)**
A short film or independent production that may use the term metaphorically or symbolically.

– **Other films**
Various independent and international films have used „Harvest Moon” in their titles, often to evoke themes of change, cycles, or rural settings.

### Television

– **Harvest Moon-themed episodes**
Some television series have episodes titled „Harvest Moon” or featuring the Harvest Moon as a plot element, often symbolizing change, reflection, or romance.

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## Literature

„Harvest Moon” appears in literary works as a title or motif.

### Books and Novels

– **Harvest Moon (novel)**
Several novels and short stories bear the title „Harvest Moon,” often exploring themes of rural life, family, and transformation.

– **Poetry**
The Harvest Moon is a common subject in poetry, symbolizing the passage of time, nature’s cycles, and human emotions.

### Comics and Graphic Novels

– Some comics and graphic novels have used „Harvest Moon” as a title or thematic element, particularly in stories set in pastoral or mystical environments.

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## Other Uses

### Festivals and Events

– **Harvest Moon Festival**
Various communities hold annual Harvest Moon festivals celebrating the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. These events often include music, food, dancing, and cultural activities.

### Astronomy and Education

– **Harvest Moon Observations**
Astronomy clubs and educational institutions often organize events around the Harvest Moon to teach about lunar cycles and cultural history.

### Commercial and Brand Names

– Some businesses, particularly those related to agriculture, food, or hospitality, use „Harvest Moon” in their names to evoke natural abundance and tradition.

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## Summary Table of Uses

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## See Also

– **Full Moon**
– **Autumnal Equinox**
– **Mid-Autumn Festival**
– **Stardew Valley (video game)**
– **Moon Festivals**

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## Meta Description

Harvest Moon primarily denotes the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox but also refers to various cultural, musical, gaming, and literary uses. This article explores the diverse meanings and applications of „Harvest Moon” across different fields.