Months & Moons
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.
Download the worksheet
The Thirteen Moons and Turtle's Back
To learn more about counting the moons on a turtle’s back download this worksheet made by Megan Cunningham.
Download the worksheetMonths
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 Eastern dialect names are taken from the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization.
English | Western Dialect | Eastern Dialect |
---|---|---|
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) |
April | Iskigamizige-giizis (Sugarbushing Moon) | Pokwaagami-giizis (Broken Snowshoe Moon) |
May | Zaagibagaa-giizis (Budding Moon) | Namebine-giizis (Suckerfish Moon) |
June | Odemiini-giizis (Strawberry Moon) | Baashkaabigonii-giizis (Blooming Moon) |
July | Abitaa-niibini-giizis (Halfway Summer Moon) | Miin-giizis (Berry Moon) |
August | Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon) | Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon) |
September | Waatebagaa-giizis (Leaves Turning Moon) | Waabaagbagaa-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) |