WESELÁNEW - MOON OF THE SHAKER LEAVES (November)

The leaves are ready to fall. The wind comes. Turbulence is felt in the waters and the skies. The earth is cooling down.

CONNECTIONS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

November derives its name from the Latin word 'Novem' meaning nine, and was the ninth moon in the Roman year. This marked the beginning of Winter. Traditionally, the Anglo Saxons did their slaughtering now (letting blood) because the cold weather was conducive to preserving the meat of the animal/bird. In the WESELÁNEW moon, fishing was undertaken mostly in the safety of local waters. This was the time when big winds come and changed the season to Winter.

WEATHER

The days became cooler and travelling in food gathering territory was limited. The winds that came with this moon were a signal to move to the winter village as the open sea became dangerous for movement in open boats.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Most foods were now in storage for the Winter and fishing was done only close to the village sites. The Saanich Peoples formed hunting parties and moved West into the mountains to hunt elk. Elk were only hunted after the first snowfall as it was easier to track an elk if it was wounded. This way no meat would be wasted.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Winter fires were lit and this was the beginning of Winter gatherings.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

• What seasonal changes occur where you live?
• How does the direction of the wind affect climate?
• What are the effects of pollution and global warming on fish and wildlife?