Kchi Nokahigas: the (Super) Hoer Moon Returns

Moonrise over Wantastiquet

The sixth moon of the Abenaki lunar calendar is the Hoer Moon, following the planting moon (fifth moon) of Kikas, the Field Maker Moon. Grandmother Moon - known as Nanibôsat, the all-night walker - will appear larger than typically encountered, as she approaches closer to her daughter, our Mother the Earth. This is the time when the new sprouts of the year’s planting appreciate some nurturing care, in the competition of their warming rush toward Nmahom Kizos, Grandfather Sun. The month began in this sun cycle with the new moon on May 30, and we are nigh on to the full moon which shines tonight, June 14, 2022, and gives the name.

The word derives from two roots: noka- meaning “to soften” as in hoeing the earth, and -higas, a phrase indicating “one who —-”. Another name for this moon is the Strawberry Moon, in appreciation for the delicious earthly gift of this season: it is called Mskikoikas, after the Abenaki name for the strawberry itself, mskikoimens, “the little grass berry.”

And so we enter into Niben, the bountiful season of summer…

Revised from a previous post on Sokoki Sojourn.