NINENE - MOON OF THE CHILD (Mid December to Mid January)

The face of the young man represents youth, a new beginning, the rebirth of the animal world, and the new edible shoots. This is the Saanich New Year. The moon's yellow hair is the returning light to the world.

CONNECTIONS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Winter Solstice (December 20/21) is the point at which the sun is farthest from the Equator, thus it is the darkest day of the year, and at this "turning point” the days will become longer. As with the Summer Solstice, the shortest day of the year holds great importance in many cultures.

WEATHER

This is the time that the Northern Hemisphere starts to move closer to the Sun once again. All things begin to warm up; everything in nature is being reborn. Although it is cold and there are Winter rains, there are some good days and this is the first sign that a new year has begun.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Some of the twine that had been made from nettles was now woven for reef net fishing. Each family group had a responsibility to produce a certain amount of net or the fishery and these parts would later be assembled. Because there was no hunting or fishing going on, people relied mainly on the fish and game that had been stored for the Winter. For those who would risk the rough seas, there was halibut fishing as the fish returned to their spawning grounds. This was also the season when fawns were born, so the new moon signaled the time to stop deer hunting.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The instruction of the children through telling of tales helped to pass the long Winter nights. The longhouse ceremonial dances continued.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT