The Corn Moon
Boukatios Full Moon
The Corn Moon is a celebration of the grain harvest and the bounty that comes before Fthinóporo (Autumn). It is a time to honor Gaia (the Earth) and all the many blessings she has bestowed upon the world. It is a time for thanksgiving, to take stock of what you have, and appreciate those in the world (farmers, laborers, factory workers, etc.,) who make this all possible. The Corn Moon is also a time of great feasting; a time to honor The Theoi with the labor of creation - and a time to share such creation with those whom you love.
Large meals and potlucks with family and friends are auspicious, as are corn-related crafts (i.e., corn dollies)
symbols & Decore
hair binding / veiling
Recommended
Jewelry / Adornments
Not Recommended
foods of significance
Malt Beverages, Beer, & Cider (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)
Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
Oatmeal Cookies & Sweet Bread
colors of significance
Brown
Tan
Orange
Bronze
symbols of significance
Sheafs of Grain
Cornucopias
Woven or Wooden Baskets (To Symbolize the Harvest)
history vs modern day
While full moons may have been celebrated in ancient times, there is little to no record of a specific festival or observance for these lunar events (unlike Noumenia, etc.)
The traditions, alignments, and recommendations for our Full Moon Festivals come from a variety of places - not all of which are Hellenic in nature. Our Full Moon Festivals are also inspired by the local flora and fauna of South Carolina (where our Temple is located) as well as from other pagan and neo-pagan Full Moon traditions.
The Corn Moon is named in honor of the field corn harvest season, which can occur between Heraios and Daidophorios (source: PickYourOwn.org) but is generally observed in Boukatios and Boathoos. In the United States, corn and corn byproducts are a key ingredient in everything from antibiotics to bread and crackers (source: The University of Iowa). Corn and the corn harvest has been celebrated for thousands of years by the indigenous tribes of North America. It is a key part of many indigenous communities diet, as well as their philosophical beliefs, spiritual practices, and cultural identifies (source: Cultural Survival).
Boukatios is also the month in which we honor Lady Demeter, Goddess of Grain and Agriculture. In this, The Corn Moon is an opportune time to learn more about the agriculture of your local area, as well as the agriculture of Hellenic Greece. To honor the harvest is to honor Demeter, and to honor Demeter is to honor the Earth.