How did the expression "a blue moon" originate? What does it mean?

1. 71

   joanveronicaposted 12 years ago

   How did the expression "a blue moon" originate? What does it mean?
   
   Please explain in detail and add different ways in which this expressionis can be used.

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2. 81

   Kerdonposted 12 years ago

   When two full moons happen within one month, the second full moon is known as a 'blue moon'. This is a fairly rare event and so to denote something happening rarely, people say it happens once in a blue moon.

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   1. 71

      joanveronicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nice answer! Are there any more details for this?

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   2. 81

      Kerdonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Having researched this a bit further, my initial answer is not fully correct. A blue moon is the name given to the 3rd full moon in a season (e.g. Jan, Feb, Mar) where there will be 4 full moons. (So not always the second full moon in a month.)

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3. 0

   Garifaliaposted 12 years ago

   From what I know, it is a phenomenon created by the atmosphere. Aparantly it occurs when dust from forest fires or volcanic eruptions in the atmosphere distort the color of the moon making it appear blue. I have not heard Kerdon's version. However, in the same way, sense it happens rarely the expression "Once in a blue moon" is used to refer to a rare incident.

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   1. 71

      joanveronicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What an interesting answer! I had not read about any of the two versions before (Kerdon and Garifalia).. Now we need some additional input to define the origin of the expression. So far, the two asnwers are convincing.

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4. 57

   hmartin1233posted 12 years ago

   Isn't it when a Smurf is born?  I am kidding!!  I grew up with Smurfs, and I couldn't resist.  I wish I really new the answer.  Sorry?

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   1. 71

      joanveronicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good answer! I'm glad you felt free to "kid"! This is Hubpages, where we can write what we feel and think (with respect). I had a good laugh! Thanks.

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5. 92

   PurvisBobbi44posted 12 years ago

   I read that NASA Scientist reported blue-colored moons are real. My mother loved the saying,"Once in a blue moon." When she asked her three girls if our rooms were clean---if we said yes---we could her say--"Once in a blue moon are they clean."

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   1. 71

      joanveronicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Another good answer! And funny, too! We all need a good laugh, I think!
      About NASA, we can't really contest their reports, so there probably IS such a thing as a "blue moon"! Interesting! So thank you Bobbie.

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