| Beliefs Related to Summer | |
The Coming of Summer
Several signs marked the coming of summer. One was the arrival of Sandhill
Cranes migrating northwards (which occurs on the Platte River in Nebraska
in March). Another was the singing of the chickadee, whose song is described
onomatopoetically in Arapaho as biicei'i meaning "summer time coming."
Most importantly, the first thunderstorm marked the end of winter storytelling,
as well as the holding of a ceremonial sweat lodge to "renew" the Sacred
Pipe.
Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River, Nebraska, in March
The Coming of Fall
Signs were read to mark the coming of Fall, and also to predict the weather
for the coming winter. The Sandhill Cranes migrating back south (which occurs
in October) was a sign of the end of summer. Around this time, another ceremonial
sweat lodge ceremony is held, to bless the Sacred Pipe for the coming winter.
The August moon was sometimes called the "Moon of Ripening Chokecherries."
Once that moon had passed, the next moon was closely watched. A large ring
around it (glowing in the clouds) meant a long, cold winter, while a small
ring meant a short, pleasant winter.
Ripe Chokecherries in August
Storms
Many of the most interesting elements of the Arapahos' thoughts and beliefs about
the summertime involve thunderstorms. See that section of this website for more
information.