The 🌚 emoji, represented with the Unicode 1F31A, is known as the
New Moon Face emoji. It is not a combined Unicode, but a single one. This emoji depicts a stylized representation of a new moon with a face, similar to a classic man-in-the-moon image found in many older children's books and cartoons. The face is often depicted with closed eyes and a slight smile.
The primary and most common uses for the 🌚 emoji are to represent the night, darkness, or the literal phase of a new moon in the lunar cycle. It is also often used to convey a sense of mystery, secrecy, or even creepiness due to its dark and somewhat enigmatic expression. On social media, it is frequently used to react to something that is considered awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable.
Non-romantic or non-obvious uses of the 🌚 emoji include representing the concept of starting anew or a new beginning, as the new moon phase symbolizes a fresh start in many cultures. It can also be used to express a sense of calmness or tranquility, similar to a peaceful night under the moon.
The 🌚 emoji is quite popular due to its versatility and unique design. It has a certain cultural significance as it is often associated with folklore and mythology surrounding the moon. It is also used in various memes and internet culture due to its somewhat ambiguous and mysterious expression.
Related emojis include other moon phase emojis such as the 🌛 First Quarter Moon Face, 🌜 Last Quarter Moon Face, and 🌝 Full Moon Face. These emojis share similar symbolism related to the lunar cycle and can be used to represent different times or phases.
In specific apps or communities, the 🌚 emoji can have unique associations. For example, on Snapchat, it might be used to signify night mode due to its dark appearance. On Twitter or Instagram, it is often used in a humorous or sarcastic context, especially in response to awkward or cringe-worthy content.