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) |