The Peewaalia lunar year is approximately 354 days long and regularly has 12 moons (months). However, Waawiita Kiilhswa ‘Lost Moon’ is added to the end of the lunar year in a repeating cycle. The cycle of Waawiita Kiilhswa begins when he first appears. After his first appearance, he will appear again in 3 years, then again 3 years later, and finally 2 years after that. Then the cycle starts again, following the 3-3-2 pattern. As a result, there are 13 moons in those lunar years. Pahsaahkaahkanka neepinwiki ‘summer solstice’ nearing the end of Aciikatakiilhswa ‘Hilling The Corn Moon’ results in the appearance of Waawiita Kiilhswa at the end of the lunar year. This ensures the lunar calendar stays connected with ecological occurrences. Waawiita Kiilhswa will not occur in the 2026 Peewaalia lunar year.
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’. The beginning of this moon/month is usually late January or February. 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.
The Peewaalia lunar calendar reflects days in the top left corner; Gregorian dates are located in the lower left corner. Peoria Tribal Offices are closed for days marked in red. Moon ‘tipehki kiilhswa’ is our Grandfather and is described as ‘he’ throughout the Peewaalia lunar calendar.
Keešihiwia ‘Creator’ has crafted breathtaking beauty in Inohkinki ‘Illinois Homelands’, and this beauty is captured in every image of the 2026 Peewaalia Kiilhswaakani.