Marrung

WURUNDJERI SEASONS

During our Big Idea of 'Country' last term, many students learnt about the Wurundjeri 7 seasons. Each season is marked by the movement of the stars in the night sky and changes in the weather, coinciding with the life cycles of plants and animals. The start of August brings a change of season! From April to July is Waring (Wombat) Season. In August, it is Guling (Orchid) Season.  

First Nations peoples have been experts at noticing changes on the land, waterways, and skies to help them with navigating their environment, understanding seasonal patterns, and maintaining sustainable relationships with the natural world.

What changes have you noticed in nature over the last few weeks? 

I've certainly noticed pops of yellow on trees when I drive to school or go for a run along the Birrarung (The Yarra River). I've also noticed that it is a little lighter when I get home from work each day. 

Signs that it is Guling Season:

🐛 Caterpillars of the common brown butterflies are also feeding on grasses after dark. 

🌌In the sky, Arcturcus (a giant red star) can be seen on the northwestern horizon soon after sunset. For some Aboriginal groups in Western Victoria, this signalled that it was time to harvest termite larvae to eat. 

Source: The Science Gallery Melbourne

You can find out more about the Wurundjeri Seasons here

Tim Phillips

Marrung Leader