The Moon, Citrus, Water, and You
Other than resembling a gigantic blood orange during a total Lunar eclipse, what else do oranges--and other citrus fruits--share in common with the moon?
It is well documented that the moon's phases, which cycle every twenty-eight days, align with our own. The most well-known of these alignments is the effect of these phases on the tides (and fishing), but there is also evidence that the moon phases influence everything from hair growth, anxiety versus calmness, menstrual cycles and reproduction, sleep hormones, spiritual insights, and much more. Given that the moon directly impacts the gravitational pull of the tides, it is not a farfetched leap to conclude that our bodies, which are up to 75% water, are affected as well. When we align ourselves to the physical effects of the moon, we can be happier and healthier.
It follows then that staying hydrated is key, and hydration doesn't just mean drinking more water. Studies have shown that the key to keeping your cells hydrated is to eat hydrating foods like oranges and grapefruits, since they also contain electrolytes and minerals which help maintain a healthy water balance in your body. Containing almost ninety percent water, citrus fruits are the perfect nourishment for your thirsty, moon-influenced cells.
Eat Light When the Moon Is Bright
Many spiritual traditions also align their food choices to the phases of the moon. In 2025, the Hindu festival of Holi coincided with the Blood Moon, and thus was considered particularly auspicious. Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, offers feasts of colorful foods with an emphasis on the sweet and sour. Not surprisingly, then, citrus is a major part of Holi repasts.
Pagan traditions advise that the days following the full moon are ideal to load up on citrus intake. Eating fresh and light as the moon begins its waning journey will help to fortify and cleanse your system for the darker, more introspective days ahead with the new moon.
Giving Citrus for the Lunar New Year
Another major world tradition in which both citrus and the moon play central roles is the Chinese Lunar New Year, which was just celebrated in mid-February. Centerpieces of oranges and tangerines with a money envelope, like the picture above, are standard home decorations during this time of the year. You might even see a large pomelo or grapefruit in the arrangement. As it turns out, the Mandarin Chinese word for tangerine sounds phonetically like "luck," and the word for orange sounds a lot like "wealth." the color and shape of these fruits is also meaningful; think of balls of gold just rolling in! The yellow grapefruit is believed to protect that wealth and ward off evil spirits. It also resembles the power, wisdom and potential of the moon.
We like to say that eating freshly picked citrus is like putting some sunshine in your mouth, but now we can see that it's also directly connected to the moon. Truly, eating an orange, tangerine, or grapefruit every day is a cosmic habit of celestial proportions. So, go ahead--put a little moonlight in your mouth!
Sources:
Don’t Sleep on This: Total Lunar Eclipse will Bring Blood Moon March 13-14 - NASA
The 8 Moon Phases & How They Affect Your Body & Mind
Holi | Description, Holiday, Colors, Stories, & Facts | Britannica
100+ Holi Recipes – Snacks, Sweets, Drinks and Main Course!
