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.

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.