Significance of Lunar Month
Synonyms: Lunar cycle, Lunar phase, Moon cycle
In Dutch: Maanmaand; In Finnish: Kuunkierto; In Spanish: Mes lunar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lunar Month'
In Buddhism, the Lunar Month is approximately 29.5 days long and is essential for organizing rituals and ceremonies, aligning spiritual practices with the phases of the moon.
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A period of approximately 29.5 days used in the Buddhist calendar to schedule rituals and ceremonies.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Lunar Month'
The Lunar Month in Hinduism is a significant time frame based on the moon's cycles, influencing rituals, festivals, agricultural predictions, and spiritual observances, vital for understanding religious practices and astrological events.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A month based on the phases of the moon, used in Hindu calendars for timing rituals and worship.[2] (2) The period related to the lunar cycle, marking the time when certain rituals at the pilgrimage are performed.[3] (3) A reference to the calendar system, specifying the time of year when certain rituals and festivals, including the great festival, occur.[4]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A cycle that marks the phases of the moon, significant in Hindu rituals and observances.[5]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The months in the lunar calendar during which specific worship and vows are to be performed for divine blessings.[6]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The months in which each Ashtaka Shraddha is to be performed, specifically mentioned as Margashirsha, Pausha, and Magha.[7]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A period in which specific halo appearances can correlate with deaths across different societal classes.[8] (2) A month based on the phases of the Moon, referenced in relation to agricultural and meteorological predictions.[9] (3) The period defined by the lunar phases, significant in predicting the activity of pregnant clouds and potential rain events.[10] (4) The periods that correspond to the Nakshatras and are identical to the names given to the years of Jupiter.[11] (5) Specific time periods in the lunar calendar that influence the outcomes and significance of eclipses.[12]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A calendar month traditionally based on the phases of the moon, relevant for initiating the Yati-Candrayana penance.[13] (2) A time measurement that serves a limited purpose for the 'Day-Night' of 'Pitris' but does not govern other calculations like seasons.[14]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A time period defined as 30 days less by half a day from the solar month.[15]
The concept of Lunar Month in local and regional sources
Lunar Month denotes a period defined by the moon's phases, crucial for scheduling events like weddings and significant for virgins desiring a virtuous husband, reflecting its cultural importance in tradition.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A month that is determined by the moon's phases, significant in scheduling important events like weddings in this tradition.[16]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) A specific period marked by the phases of the moon, indicated as the time of observance by virgins wishing for a virtuous husband.[17]
The concept of Lunar Month in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Lunar Month" refers to a lunar cycle lasting about 29.5 days, which includes various moon phases such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter, according to regional sources.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The lunar month is approximately 29.5 days long and encompasses the different phases of the moon, including new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter.[18]