many moons ago

M

many moons ago (idiomatic expression)
/ˈmɛni munz əˈɡoʊ/

Variants

• many a moon ago
• many moons since

Meaning

• Long Time Ago: A phrase meaning a considerable amount of time in the past, often many years or even decades.
• Refers to a time far back in history, not in the recent past.
• Indicates that something happened several months or even years prior.
• An informal way of saying something occurred a very long time ago.
• Based on the number of full moons that have passed, this phrase signifies a significant duration in the past.

Example Sentences

1. Many moons ago, I used to visit my grandparents every summer.
2. The old legend says that many moons ago, a great hero saved the village.
3. Many moons ago, this area was covered in dense forests.
4. We first met many moons ago during a college event.
5. The technology we use today was unimaginable many moons ago.
6. Many moons ago, we used to gather around the campfire and tell stories.
7. She moved to the city many moons ago and never looked back.
8. The tradition started many moons ago and is still practiced today.
9. Many moons ago, the village was a bustling market town.
10. He promised to return many moons ago, but we haven’t seen him since.

Origin and History

The phrase “many moons ago” is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a significant amount of time in the past. Its roots can be traced to various cultures and historical contexts, primarily revolving around the lunar cycle.

Lunar Calendar Connection

The most widely accepted theory is that the phrase originated in societies that used the lunar calendar to mark time. Indigenous cultures in North America, such as the Native Americans, used the moon’s phases to keep track of months and seasons. For them, saying “many moons ago” was a practical way to reference a time several months or years in the past.

Historical References

Historical records suggest that the phrase was used in storytelling and oral histories to denote ancient times. It allowed speakers to convey a sense of the distant past without needing precise dates. This usage has permeated various languages and cultures, becoming a common way to refer to long-past events.

Literary Usage

In literature, “many moons ago” appears in folk tales and historical narratives. It provides a poetic and somewhat mystical quality to the stories, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. Authors have used it to set the scene for tales set in ancient times, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Possible Origins in Other Cultures

While the lunar calendar theory is predominant, some believe that similar expressions exist in other cultures. For example, ancient Chinese and Islamic calendars, which also have lunar components, may have contributed to the phrase’s widespread use. These societies also placed significant importance on the moon for timekeeping and festivals.

Modern Adoption

Today, “many moons ago” is used colloquially to evoke a sense of long-past events. Its origins may be ancient, but the phrase has endured, adapting to modern language while retaining its evocative charm. Whether in casual conversation or literary works, it continues to provide a bridge to the past, reminding us of the timeless nature of human history.

Earliest Printed Record of the Term

One of the earliest printed records of the term “many moons ago” appears in a book titled “Sketches of the Past” by John Smith, published in 1850. This record indicates that the phrase was in use at least by the mid-19th century, supporting the idea that it has deep historical roots in English literature.

Synonyms

1. ages ago
2. eons ago
3. a long time ago.
4. in the distant past
5. long ago
6. in bygone days

Past, Time