The Phases of the Moon
In the Cultural Gallery of the schoool stands thirteen wooden pillars, on which are painted the lunar calendar of the Haudenosaunee. Long before the modern day calendar the Haudenosaunee understood the passing of time by observing closely the subtle changes in the heavens above and the environment around them. Because of the great importance, special people called the "Faith Keepers" who are men and women are appointed within each of the clans. It is their duty to prepare for ceremonies and to observe carefully the signs and patterns of the seasons, animals, plant life, the moon, and the stars. They inform the people when to have the seasonal ceremonies as well as when to plant and harvest.
The most significant time in the lunar calendar is during the mid-winter solstice. It is during the two moons of Dis uh and Dis go:nah that we hold the mid-winter cermonies that mark the end of the past year and the beginning of a new year. More importantly, it is understood that Grandmother Moon has a direct relationship to the females of all species living here on Mother Earth.
The phases of the Moon are:
Disgo:nah
Disuh
Jotowego:nah
Jotowehhah
Kendenhgo:nah
Kendenhah
Saskego:nah
Saskeh hah
Ohiaihgo:nah
Ohiaihah
Ganahdogo:nah
Ganahdoha
Hisatuh
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