Where Does Waxing and Waning Come From?

Have you ever wondered where the phrases “waxing” and “waning” come from? These words are frequently used when discussing the phases of the moon, but they can also refer to the growth and decline of other things as well.

What is the meaning of “waxing”?

The term “waxing” refers to the process of increasing or becoming larger. This word is commonly used to describe the phases of the moon as it transitions from a new moon to a full moon. During this period, the illuminated part of the moon gradually increases in size, giving the appearance of it “waxing” or growing larger.

However, “waxing” can also refer to other things besides the moon. For example, a beard that is growing larger is said to be waxing. The number of people attending a concert might also be said to be waxing as the event approaches.

What is the meaning of “waning”?

The opposite of waxing is waning, which means to decrease or become smaller. When it comes to the moon, the process of a full moon transitioning back to a new moon is known as waning. The illuminated part of the moon appears to shrink, giving the impression that it’s “waning” or becoming smaller.

Just like with waxing, the term “waning” can also be used to describe other things as they decrease or become smaller. For example, a population of animals might wane as their habitat is destroyed or their food supply diminishes. The popularity of a particular trend might also wane as people lose interest or new trends emerge.

What is the origin of these terms?

The words “waxing” and “waning” are derived from old English words. “Waxing” comes from the word “weaxan,” which means “to grow, increase.” “Waning” comes from the word “wanian,” which means “to decrease, fade.”

These words were originally used to describe the moon and its cycles, but over time, they came to be used to describe other natural phenomena as well as societal changes. Today, waxing and waning are still used to describe the growth and decline of various things, from the stock market to the popularity of TV shows.

Where Does Waxing and Waning Come From?

Waxing and waning are phrases commonly used in astronomy to describe the changing appearance of the moon or other celestial bodies. Most people have heard these terms, but not everyone understands where they come from and what they mean. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of “waxing” and “waning” as well as how they apply to the moon.

The Origins of “Waxing” and “Waning”

The terms “waxing” and “waning” date back to Middle English, and their roots can be traced back even further to Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, the word for “together” was “weaxan,” which eventually evolved into the Middle English word “waxen.” This was used to describe the moon as it appeared to be growing, or “coming together.” The word “waning” comes from the Old Norse word “vana,” which means “to diminish.”

These words were used to describe the moon as it passed through its phases, going from a crescent shape to a full moon and then back again. The phases were thought to be caused by the sun’s light reflecting off the moon’s surface at different angles as it orbited around the Earth.

How the Moon’s Phases Work

So, what exactly do “waxing” and “waning” mean when it comes to the moon? Simply put, waxing means the moon is getting larger, while waning means it is getting smaller. The moon goes through different phases as it orbits around the Earth, and these phases are categorized based on the amount of sunlight that is reflecting off the moon’s surface.

The first phase is called the new moon, which happens when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, and the side of the moon facing Earth is not illuminated. Over the course of the next few days, the moon will appear as a sliver or crescent shape, which is the waxing crescent phase. As the moon continues to orbit around the Earth, more of its surface becomes illuminated by the sun’s light, and it eventually reaches the full moon phase.

After the full moon, the lunar cycle enters its waning phase. This is when the moon appears to shrink in size as less and less of its surface is illuminated by the sun. The moon will go through several phases during the waning phase, including the third quarter, waning crescent, and finally, the new moon again.

Why Do We Care About the Moon’s Phases?

The moon’s phases have been observed and studied for thousands of years, and they have had a significant impact on human culture and history. In ancient times, people relied on the moon’s phases to keep track of time, as there were no clocks or calendars. They also used the moon as a guide for planting crops and hunting animals.

In modern times, the moon’s phases still have a practical purpose. The tides are influenced by the moon’s gravity, and they can be predicted based on the phase of the moon. The moon’s phases also provide a useful tool for astronomers, who study how the moon’s surface changes over time and use it as a reference point for observing other celestial bodies.

Where Does Waxing and Waning Come From?

Waxing and waning are two astronomical terms used to describe the gradual illumination and darkening of the moon as seen from Earth. The phase of the moon is said to be waxing when it is transitioning from new to full moon, and waning when it is transitioning from full to new moon. But where do these terms come from, and why are they used?

The Origin of the Terms Waxing and Waning

The terms “waxing” and “waning” come from Old English, where “weaxan” meant “to grow” or “to increase” and “wanian” meant “to diminish” or “to decrease”. These terms were used by early astronomers to describe the lunar phases as the moon grew and shrank in size throughout its 29.5-day cycle.

The Moon’s Phases and Their Names

The moon’s phases are determined by the positions of the sun, Earth, and moon in relation to each other. As the moon orbits Earth, it appears to change shape and position in the sky. There are eight primary phases of the moon, each with its own unique name and appearance.

1. New Moon: The new moon is the first phase of the moon and occurs when the moon is positioned between the sun and Earth. During this phase, the moon is not visible from Earth as it is in the same part of the sky as the sun.

2. Waxing Crescent: The waxing crescent phase begins a few days after the new moon and occurs when a small sliver of the moon becomes visible in the sky. This phase is named “crescent” because the illuminated part of the moon is shaped like a crescent.

3. First Quarter: The first quarter moon occurs when the illuminated part of the moon is exactly half, or 50%, of the moon’s surface area. During this phase, the moon is visible in the afternoon and evening sky.

4. Waxing Gibbous: The waxing gibbous phase occurs when the illuminated part of the moon is larger than a crescent but smaller than a full moon. The term “gibbous” means “hump-shaped”, which is how the moon appears during this phase.

5. Full Moon: The full moon occurs when the entire illuminated part of the moon is visible from Earth. During this phase, the moon appears as a circle in the sky.

6. Waning Gibbous: The waning gibbous phase occurs after the full moon and is similar to the waxing gibbous phase, but with the illuminated part of the moon gradually decreasing in size.

7. Third Quarter: During the third quarter moon phase, the illuminated part of the moon is again exactly half, or 50%, of the moon’s surface area. However, this time the illuminated part is on the opposite side of the moon than during the first quarter.

8. Waning Crescent: The waning crescent phase occurs in the few days before the new moon and is similar to the waxing crescent phase, but with the illuminated part of the moon gradually decreasing in size.

The Effects of the Moon’s Phases

The moon has a profound effect on Earth, affecting everything from the tides to our moods. The moon’s phases also play a role in agriculture and gardening, with the waxing phase being the best time to plant crops that produce above-ground parts (such as flowers and fruit) and the waning phase being the best time to plant crops that produce below-ground parts (such as potatoes and carrots).

In addition to its effects on Earth, the moon’s phases have also played a role in human history and religion. Many cultures throughout history have based their calendars, festivals, and religious practices around the lunar cycle and its phases.

Conclusion

The terms waxing and waning have been used for centuries to describe the gradual illumination and darkening of the moon as seen from Earth. These terms originated in Old English and were used by early astronomers to describe the lunar cycle. Today, the moon’s phases and their effects continue to play an important role in many areas of life.