Chant at the Moon Day
Chant at the Moon Day is a playful little break from the ordinary. People head outside, look up at the night sky, and let out a chant, cheer, or even a silly howl toward the glowing moon.
It’s not about being serious—it’s about loosening up and having fun. The idea connects to a special type of cherry that grows high in the mountains, said to be made sweeter by the moon.
So, this day mixes a bit of fun with fruit, and a sky full of stars makes the moment feel almost magical.
But there’s more to it than just shouting at the sky. It brings people together in the kind of way that doesn’t need planning or pressure.
You stand under the moon, maybe with a friend, maybe with family, and you just let the moment happen.
It’s about laughter, fresh air, and maybe a mouthful of cherry. For a little while, the world feels lighter. And that’s the whole point.
How to Celebrate Chant at the Moon Day
Here are some fun and easy ways to celebrate Chant at the Moon Day with flair:
Host an Outdoor Chant Session
Gather in a backyard or park once the moon appears. Bring blankets or folding chairs. Let everyone take turns chanting, howling, or cheering skyward.
This brings friends together with playful energy under the night sky.
Share Fresh “Moon” Cherries
Buy A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries from Stemilt or local growers. Serve them in bowls or on small plates. Invite people to try the late-season fruit during the chanting moment.
Create a Cozy Moonlit Space
Set up soft lighting with lanterns, candles, or string lights. Add plenty of cushions and warm throws. This creates a welcoming vibe and encourages relaxed conversation after chanting.
Play Moon-inspired Music
Compile a playlist of gentle tunes or chants that evoke nighttime. Play it quietly for background ambience. Let people hum along or add spontaneous vocal flair when the moon’s high.
Try a Group Bonfire or Fire Pit
If permitted, light a small bonfire or use a fire pit. Sit in a circle around it and take turns directing chants or howls up to the sky. Share cherry bites during breaks.
Invite Friends for a Moon Picnic
Arrange a spread of snacks—cheese, nuts, and those special cherries. Use a low table or picnic blanket. Enjoy informal chatter before or after chanting under starlight.
History of Chant at the Moon Day
Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, Washington started this celebration. They welcomed the first Chant at the Moon Day in August 2018.
This idea came from their special “A Half Mile Closer to the Moon” cherries. These fruits grow up around 2,600–3,500 feet above sea level—literally half a mile nearer to the moon.
Kyle Mathison, a fourth-generation cherry grower, leads this harvest. He began planting high-elevation orchards around 2002 to stretch cherry season later into summer. His team picks those late-season cherries around the full moon. Kyle believes the moon’s gravity draws nutrients and sugars upward into each fruit.
Chant at the Moon Day honors this idea with play and flavor. Each year, the Mathisons ask people to step outside under a summer moon.
They encourage friends and families to chant, howl, or cheer skyward—while tasting those high-altitude cherries. It became a lighthearted way to celebrate both nature’s patterns and the end of cherry season.
By 2022, the event marked the 10th harvest of Moon cherries and their fifth official celebration day. Kyle and his crew even gather at dawn to chant together atop Stemilt Hill before packing crates full of cherries.
Their goal is simple: enjoy simple moments under a glowing sky, savor late-summer fruit, and have fun.
What began as a clever way to highlight a unique cherry soon turned into a playful tradition. It now brings together growers, families, and fans under moonlight.
Everyone joins in a joyful shout toward the sky, celebrating the season’s final, sweetest bites.
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