There are many Ojibwe names for the months of the year and every dialect has their own variation of these names. Along with these variation are the thirteen moons that exist in the lunar calendar. Sometimes the English calendar does not match up with the Ojibwe calendar as the result of this difference. There are forces in nature that contribute to the naming of the calendar. The naming of the moons also has cultural teachings that explain the cycle of spiritual living. These can be seen in the following examples:
1. Bird Activity
a) Maango-Giizis teaches us when the loons return.
b) Aandego-Giizis tells us when the crows return. The crow for the Ojibwe is the first sign of spring, whereas, it is the robin for the rest of society.
2. Cultural activity
a) Iskigamizigewi-Giizis teaches us the time of year when the sap is running for maple sugar harvest. This is celebrated as the Anishinaabe new year.
b) Manoominikewi-Giizis teaches us when it is time to pick wild rice. We give thanks for this spiritual gift from the Creator.
3. Animal activity
a) Makoosiwi-giizis gives us a special teaching about the birth of bear cubs. In February, there is one morning when there is a heavy fog in the air and the traditional Indian knows that this is happening. This teaching shows the knowledge that Indian people have a direct relationship with nature.
b) Namebini-Giizis teaches us that the sucker gave up his life for the Ojibwe in the month of February. The previous month January is the hardest time of year to get food because of the scarceness of game. In February it is easier to net these fish and it is believed that the sucker is giving his life for the Anishinaabe.
4. Plant life
a) Miinikewi-Giizis is the time of year that the Indian picks berries. Berries are a gift from the Creator and thanks is given by ceremony.
b) Ode-iminikewi-Giizis is the strawberry month. The strawberry is the heart berry when picked aides in healing diseases that ail the heart.
These are but a small part of teachings that we can learn from the months. All the Ojibwe months are alive and shows the connection between Creation and Indian people. By studying the moon and staying in touch with her (nookomis) we learn about living in harmony with creation and grow in our spirituality.
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