The history of the moon through languages and cultures

The significance of the moon across different languages and its continued influence on cultures across the world is shared by Bärbel Brash, a Staff Tutor from The Open University’s School of Languages & Applied Linguistics.

The moon has captivated human imagination for centuries.  

Across cultures and languages, it has been the subject of countless myths and legends, each offering unique perspectives on the moon that have shaped different celebrations and traditions around the world.  

Widely referred to as ‘luna’ by scientists and academics using the Latin term, there are many unique names for the moon across different languages that are reflected by special customs and beliefs about its significance.  

For example, in Mandarin Chinese, the moon is called ‘亮’ (yuèliàng), a term that conveys its luminous presence in the night sky.  

Chinese folklore is rich with tales of the moon goddess Chang'e and her jade rabbit, further emphasising the cultural significance of the moon.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture, marking the beginning of a calendar year that bases its months on moon cycles, and beginning on the new moon.  

Similarly, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, which is widely observed throughout Asia, is held around the autumn equinox in the Chinese calendar, when the moon is believed to be at its brightest in the year.

Celebrated with customs such as eating ceremonial foods like ‘mooncakes’ and decorating and hanging colourful lanterns, the full moon symbolises reuniting families to worship the moon together and is touchingly known as the ‘Festival of Reunion’. 

In Arabic, the moon is known as ‘القمر’ (al-qamar), a word that carries with it a sense of majesty and splendour. In Islamic cultures, the moon represents the guidance of God on the path through life, and the phases of the moon hold great significance, marking the beginning and end of lunar months.

Chaand Raat - a South Asian cultural observance -  marks a joyous occasion when loved ones gather in outdoor spaces on the final day of Ramadan to catch sight of the new moon, heralding the advent of the Islamic month of Shawwal and the festive day of Eid. 

The moon also holds a significant place in the hearts and minds of those who speak Romance languages, with the moon admired as a symbol of beauty, mystery and love, inspiring literature and music, as well as art and traditions over the centuries.  

Across languages and cultures, the moon remains a timeless cultural symbol deep-rooted in our customs and traditions.”

In French culture there are references to ‘la lune’, acting as a muse for poets and a backdrop for a lovers' rendezvous, such as in the well-known 18th century French folk song ‘Au clair de la lune’ (‘By the light of the moon’).

Portuguese speakers also hold the moon in high regard, referring to it as ‘a lua’ and celebrating it in folklore and traditional fado music, where its melancholic glow serves as a backdrop for tales of unrequited love and longing. 

In Slavic languages such as Ukrainian, Russian and Polish, names for the moon often have joined roots, but differences in spelling and pronunciation show the different paths these languages have taken over the centuries.  

In Ukrainian, for example, the word for moon is ‘місяць’ (misiats) and phrases like ‘Я люблю тебе до місяця і назад’ (‘I love you to the moon and back’) illustrate the deep affection and longing associated with the moon in these cultures, underlining the power of language as a vessel for stories, mythology, and collective identity. 

Across languages and cultures, the moon remains a timeless cultural symbol deep-rooted in our customs and traditions. It is more important than ever to safeguard linguistic diversity, protecting the unique terminology of the moon in indigenous languages.

Failing to preserve these languages risks losing the wealth of stories, customs and traditions that have emerged about the moon and that will continue to enchant and inspire us for years to come. 

11 June 2024