Peewaalia kiilhsooki

The Peewaalia lunar year is approximately 354 days long and regularly has 12 moons (months). However, approximately every 3 years waawiita kiilhswa ‘Lost Moon’ is added to the end of the lunar year, resulting in 13 moons. Pahsaahkaahkanka neepinwiki ‘summer solstice’ nearing the end of aciikatakiilhswa ‘Hilling The Corn Moon’ results in the appearance of waawiita kiilhswa. This ensures the lunar calendar stays connected with ecological occurrences.

A lunar month lasts approximately 29.5 days; therefore, months are alternated from 29 to 30 days to compensate for the half day.

The Peewaalia lunar year begins with cecaahkwa kiilhswa ‘Sandhill Crane Moon’. Peoria Moons (Peoria Months) are named to recognize specific ecological occurrences during the time of year they regularly occur. Naming and timekeeping of the lunar year provides direction for daily life and events such as: planting, crop harvesting, hunting, maintenance and repairs, seasonal preparation, ecological changes, summer solstice, green corn harvest and much more.