Moons & Days



Traditionally, one month was the period from one full moon to the next full moon. There are 13 of these cycles as the earth orbits around the sun through the four seasons. There are many ways that nature reminds us of these cycles. One way to remember these moons is through the symbolism of the turtle’s back.

Months

We have included month names in both Western and Eastern dialects although it should be noted that many people in different areas use different names for these or different names based on what they observe happening in their region. The Western dialect names are the ones used in the Grand Portage community. The Eastern dialect names are provided by the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization.

English Western Dialect Western Months Eastern Dialect Eastern Months
January Gichimanidoo-giizis (Great Spirit Moon) Manidoo-giizis (Spirit Moon)
February Namebini-giizis (Suckerfish Moon) Mkwa-giizis (Bear Moon)
March Onaabani-giizis (Snowcrust Moon) Onaabdin-giizis (Snowcrust Moon)
*Thirteenth Month Bookwaagame-giizis (Broken Snowshoe Moon) Bokwaagame-giizis (Broken Snowshoe Moon)
April Iskigamizige-giizis (Boiling Sap Moon) Skigamizige-giizis (Boiling Sap Moon)
May Zaagibagaa-giizis (Budding Moon) Namebine-giizis (Suckerfish Moon)
June Ode’imini-giizis (Strawberry Moon) Baashkaabigonii-giizis (Blooming Moon)
July Miin-giizis (Berry Moon) Miin-giizis (Berry Moon)
August Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon) Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon)
September Waatebagaa-giizis (Leaves Turning Moon) Waagaabagaa-giizis (Leaves Turning Moon)
October Binaakwe-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon) Binaakwe-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon)
November Gashkadino-Giizis (Freezing Over Moon) Baashkaakodin-Giizis (Freezing Moon)
December Manidoo-Giizisoons (Little Spirit Moon) Manidoo-Giizisoons (Little Spirit Moon)

Days of the Week

We have included day names in both Western and Eastern dialects although it should be noted againthat many people in different areas use different names for these. The Western dialect names are the ones used in the Grand Portage community. The Eastern dialect names are provided by the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization.

English Western Dialect Western Days Eastern Dialect Eastern Days
It’s Monday Nitam-anokii-giizhigad (turn to work day) Ishkwaanaame-giizhigad (after prayer day)
It’s Tuesday Niizho-giizhigad (second day) Niizho-giizhigad (second day)
It’s Wednesday Aabitoose (middle of the week) Zozep-giizhigad (Joseph’s Day)
It’s Thursday Niiyo-giizhigad (fourth day) Spinagwanon (Consecration Day)
It’s Friday Naano-giizhigad (fifth day) Jiibaatigo-giizhigad (Cross Day)
It’s Saturday Ishkwaajanokii-giizhigad (day after work) Maanii-giizhigad (Mary’s Day)
It’s Sunday Anama’e-giizhigad (prayer day) Naame-giizhigad (prayer day)

Share This Page, Choose Your Platform!