🌑
new moon
Unicode: 1F311
Description
A dark, circular sphere representing the New Moon phase, where the Moon is not visible from Earth.
Group:
Travel & Places > sky & weather
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Often conveys a sense of new beginnings, mystery, hiddenness, or the start of a cycle. Can also represent darkness, night, or the 'dark side' of something.
Backstory
This emoji was introduced as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010. It is one of several moon phase emojis, providing a visual representation of the lunar cycle in digital communication.
Usage Examples
- Marking a new beginning: 'New Moon, new intentions! 🌑'
- Indicating darkness/night: 'It's a really dark night tonight 🌑'
- Referring to the lunar cycle: 'The moon is in its new phase 🌑'
- Symbolizing something hidden: 'Under the cloak of the new moon 🌑'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Associated with fresh starts, setting intentions, or solitude. Sometimes linked to occult or mystical practices.
East Asian culture:
In some beliefs, the New Moon can signify a time for reflection and preparing for the next cycle, less about overt darkness but rather potential.