© Duane A. Cline 2003
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Thirteen Moons on a Turtle's Back Click here for Thirteen Moons on a Turtle's Back illustration. Click here for Turtle's Back "Cut and Paste" Exercise.
Last modified December 13, 2003
Many Native Americans share the knowledge of the thirteen moons on a turtle’s back. As children they are taught to examine the segments on the back of every turtle. There are thirteen large segments which represent the thirteen moons which make up the lunar year. By counting the smaller segments around the lower edge of the shell, you will find there are 28, which represents the 28 days between new moons.
Every group of Native Americans has names for the thirteen moons and there are stories to go with each new moon. The names of the moons and the stories that accompany them vary from one group to another, but each is descriptive of the season in which the new moon appears.
To make your own turtle, print out the following drawing on heavy paper or card stock. By following the directions you will have your own pet turtle showing the number of moons and the number of days between new moons.
NOTE:
The information on the thirteen moons on a turtle's back is drawn from the traditions of the Pokanoket Tribe of the Wampanoag Nation. However, it must be noted that this type of lunar calendar was common to many Native American Tribes. Of interest is the paperback book, Thirteen Moons on a Turtle's Back by Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London which tells the seasonal stories from thirteen different tribes.
by
Webmaster Dave Lossos
