By: Sara Loft
In most Indigenous cultures, we believe everything in Creation has a Spirit. One of our major life lessons is to respect others including your elders. The cycles of the Moon helps us determine our yearly calendar. However, did you know that in Iroquoian beliefs, the Moon is called the Grandmother Moon? According to Allan Jamieson Sr. (Director of Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe), Grandmother Moon is known as “the leader of women all over the world because she watches over all of us.” Besides, Grandmother Moon watching over all of us, Allan Jamieson Sr. mentioned that “she regulates the waters, controls the rip tides and guides us all with our time on Turtle Island” (or better known as North and Central Americas). Grandmother Moon is whole but she has many phases just like life does. For those who believe in Grandmother Moon, we are reminded that our time on Turtle Island is ceremonious upon each phase that she sets her face as. When Grandmother Moon radiates in her Full Moon face, women can ask for her help for renewal energy to our Spirit, at best!
In Iroquoian tales, they believe there are 13 Moons. Traditionally speaking, there are 12 months throughout the year but they like to pay homage to the rare thirteenth Moon - The Blue Moon. In great consideration, let us rejoice this month of June and honour the Strawberry Moon! The Strawberry Moon is the first Full Moon of the Summer Solstice season. The Strawberry Moon will not change its hue necessarily. However, Allan mentioned that “it is a reminder that good heart medicine is available for us — the strawberry.” The strawberry is known as the “leader of all berries” as he puts it, because its formation of weeds sprout earlier than all other berries. According to the lore of Creation, before the world existed there was an island in the sky with Sky People. One day a pregnant Sky Woman graciously fell out of darkness and rested on the Great Turtle’s back. Sky Woman began life as she brought tobacco and strawberries as it was her medicine. Based on scientific facts, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that may reduce the risk of several diseases! Therefore, mark your calendar to view the “large and golden hued Moon” of June! According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, you must “look southeast from the horizon and the Strawberry Moon will rise shortly after the sunset on Friday, June 21st at 9:08PM Eastern Time.”
In celebration of the Strawberry Moon, there will be a public event with the surrounding indigenous people hosted at Artpark. On the last Saturday of June held on the 29th from 12:00PM to 8:00PM, the Strawberry Moon Festival will take place at 450 South 4th Street in Lewiston, New York. The Strawberry Moon Festival is the perfect event to start your Summer with a banger! Together, we can rejoice the Strawberry Moon with dancing, live music, storytelling, shop from vendors and more! The Strawberry Moon Festival will have a Smoke Dance Competition for all participants at the Artpark’s Emerald Grove section. This year, the Strawberry Moon Festival will have a new live score and performance by Geneviève Gros-Louise Salamone (a Huron-Wendat violinist and major film composer). For more information on the event, scan the QR code below.