epiphany
The D’harawal seasons
January to March.
The behaviour of male kangaroos becomes quite aggressive in this season, and is a sign that eating meat is forbidden because in the heat meat does not keep and there is the likelihood of food poisoning.
The flowering of the Weetjellan (Acacia implexa) is a sign that fires must not be lit unless they are well away from bushland and on sand. There will be violent storms and heavy rain so camping near creeks and rivers is unwise.
Jan 1 – New Years Day
Jan 26 – Australia Day
Feb 14 – Valentines Day
Mar 4 – Labour Day
17 Mar – St Patrick’s Day
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April to June.
The time of the year when the calls of the Marrai’gang (Quoll) seeking a mate can be heard through the forests and woodlands – when the lilly pilly fruit ripen.
When the lilly pilly fruit falls it is time to mend the winter skins from last season or make new ones, then begin the yearly trek to the coastal areas.
10 April – Death of Christ.
12 April – Resurrection of Christ.
25 April – Anzac Day.
6 May – May Day.
12 May – Mothers Day
6 June – Queensland Day.
10 June – Queens Birthday.
22 June – Solstice.
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July.
The male Burrugin (echidnas) form lines of up to ten as they follow the female through the woodlands to wear her down and mate with her. It is the time when the Burringoa (Eucalyptus tereticornis) produces flowers. It is time to collect the nectar of plants for the ceremonies which will begin during the next season.
It is a warning not to eat shellfish until the Boo’kerrikin blooms.
7 July – Naidoc Week commences.
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August.
The lyrebird’s mating calls ring out through the bushland as he builds his dancing mounds. It is the time of the flowering of the Marrai’uo (Acacia floribunda) which is a sign that the fish are running in the rivers.
At the end of this time the Boo’kerrikin (Acacia decurrens) flower indicates the end of the cold, windy weather and the beginning of the gentle spring rains.
15 August – Assumption of Mary.
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September October
A time of the year when flying foxes gather in the darkening skies over D’harawal Lands. They come in from the north-east, the north, the north-west and the west and swirl over in a sky-dancing display just after sunset, before setting off for the feeding grounds to the south.
It is a ceremonial time for the D’harawals, which begins with the appearance of splashes of the bright red Miwa Gawaian (Telopea speciosissima) in the bushland.
Sept 1 – Fathers Day.
Sept 27 – AFL Grand Final Day.
Oct 9 – Yom Kippur.
Oct 31 – Halloween
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November December
This season begins with mating eels which make their way down the rivers and creeks to the ocean.
It is the time of the blooming of the Kai’arrewan (Acacia binervia) which announces the occurrence of fish in the bays and estuaries.
November 1 – All Saints Day.
November 2 – All Souls Day.
November 5 – Melbourne Cup Day.
November 11 – Remembrance Day
December 25 – Celebrated Birth of Christ.
December 26 – Boxing Day
December 31 – New Years Eve.
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The Australian Seasons
- Summer: December to February.
- Autumn: March to May.
- Winter: June to August.
- Spring: September to November.
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