The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is traditionally called the Harvest Moon. It is named for its historical role in extending daylight hours during the autumn harvest, because its rise occurs at nearly the same time on successive evenings around the equinox. The exact date shifts from year to year, but it is typically the full moon nearest to the September equinox, which marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. In some years this full moon coincides with the date of the equinox itself, while in others it appears a few days before or after.
