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The Noongar seasons

Join me as I observe my local environment and learn about the Noongar seasonal calendar. In this series, I'm seeking out the signs during each season and recording my personal observations and experiences in my nature journal.
The Noongar seasons
Melros Beach during Birak

In the southwest of Western Australia the Noongar* people follow a yearly calendar with 6 seasons: Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.

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*Disclaimer: I will use this spelling but acknowledge there are alternative spellings due to the oral nature of the language and respectfully include all peoples of the southwest. I write this article to share my experiences learning Noongar kaartdijin (knowledge) so that I can connect better with my country, such as protecting the animals and environment. The Noongar kaartdijin belongs to the Noongar people only.

"The six season calendar

is extremely important to Noongar people, as it is a guide to what nature is doing at every stage of the year, as well as understanding respect for the land in relation to plant and animal fertility cycles and land and animal preservation."
http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/calendars/nyoongar.shtml

Each season correlates with environmental signs related to plant and animal fertility cycles.

In this series, I'm seeking out these signs during each season and recording my personal observations and experiences in my nature journal. Join me to learn how my corner of Australia changes throughout the year and be inspired to do the same wherever you live. Read more about each season below:

Birak

The season of the young, first summer

Read

Bunuru

The season of adolescence, second summer

Read

Djeran

The season of adulthood and cooler weather

Read

Makuru

The season of fertility and cold, wet weather - winter

Read

Djilba

The season of growth, first spring

Read

Kambarang

The season of wildflowers and birth, second spring

Read