Similar to the Farmers Almanac, the native Hawaiians draw upon the wisdom of observing the natural world to make assessments and predictions of the most auspicious times for planting, harvesting and even fishing.
The key wisdoms they draw upon, however, center around observing the different phases of the moon.
Learning how to “count the nights” as the native Hawaiians have long done is a powerful tool we strive to honor and teach to others on our farm.
How it works is this:
The Hawaiian month, or malama, includes thirty phases—grouped into three, ten-day periods:
Throughout Hawaii, there are many different climate types found, but there are two generally observed seasons:
the wet season (or Ho’oilo) and
the hot season (or Kau)
–each lasting approximately six months of the year.
With these two pieces of the puzzle in place, we add to it the ancient understandings of what each phase of the moon means for farmers and fishermen, and Voila!
A comprehensive and meaningful way that cultivates relationship with the land and sea, creates plants that thrive, and honors the wisdoms of those that came before us.
If you are a home gardener and have an interest in supporting Laulima, please consider shooting us an email or text to purchase the 2023 Hawaiian Moon Calendar, when it becomes available, for $19.99!
Laulima Garden ‘Ohana is the educational garden branch of our larger non-profit Maui ‘Ohana Collective, which serves the community by way of providing Homeschool Resource Services, Hawaiian Cultural Education, and Alternative Health & Special Education by way of ‘Ohana Lapa ‘au. Help us by donating.
