Moon wood is wood from trees felled during certain phases of the moon. This wood is said to have special qualities in terms of stability, durability, fire resistance, hardness, resistance to pests, etc.
Since time immemorial, farmer’s proverbs have provided clues as to the right time to harvest wood. Such accounts refer not only to the right time of year, but also to the most favourable phase of the moon (usually a waning moon) and even signs of the zodiac.
In fact, some elaborate scientific studies provide evidence that the timing of harvesting has an influence on physical properties of the dried wood. Nevertheless, the issue is controversial among scientists, foresters and woodworking craftsmen.
Film: Excerpt from the film documentary ‘Mondholz, Volksglaube und Wissenschaft’ (Moon wood, popular belief and science), broadcast series ‘Menschen, Technik, Wissenschaft’ (precursor to the ‘Einstein’ programme), SRF, 2003.