Tlingit Moon & Tide - Alaska Native Knowledge Network - University ...

Lesson 3: Measuring Time
Overview
In this activity, students review several calendars as ways of
measuring time. They compare the Tlingit calendar with calendars
used today. Students are introduced to the Tlingit practice
of naming the months in terms of moons and activities.
The Tlingit annual cycle (calendar) is divided into 12 or 13
periods or cycles termed dis, “moons,” or disi, “moon of” corresponding
to lunar months. The names usually indicate seasonal
changes in the animal or plant world. Tlingit survival depended
on knowing these seasonal and annual changes.
There are variations in the names and the number of moons
in Tlingit calendars. There are several sources for information
on Tlingit moons/months, some of which are found in the
reference section at the end of this book. You may also turn to
your local Native elders to find the names of moons and cycles
for your region or community.
The Tlingit year or cycle begins at different times. It may
begin in the spring when the herring arrive, or later when plants
begin greening. Annual cycles generally end sometime in late
winter after potlatching. Generally, days and years were not
counted by Tlingit. Important events—epidemics, great potlatches,
raising house poles, the great flood, or receding glaciers—marked
time.
By comparison, the Julian or Gregorian calendar used today is
divided into 12 months of 28–31 days. The months are not
measured or determined by the moon cycle, although full and
new moons are frequently noted on the calendars. The Julian/
Gregorian calendar is a standardized system of measuring time
used around the world, allowing for accurate communication
and record keeping.
Materials and Equipment
• Student copies of the Tlingit calendar and the Tlingit and
Haida months
• Standard Julian calendar indicating full and new moons
• A variety of calendars employing different formats
Activity
• Provide each student or student team with a copy of the
Tlingit calendar and with a standard calendar.
• First review the Tlingit calendar. Ask students what they
noticed. At a minimum, students should report that the
Chapter 2—Dis: The Moon in Tlingit Culture • 25