WEXES

As stated in Saanich Year...

This moon in particular is significant because the frog acts as both a witness and a messenger to the Saanich people. He announces the Sacred Season of Plenty and SXE ANEW (frog) interprets “Sacred Season.” Because the frog is honoured as the keeper of the sacred seasons, it is often present on totem poles and in artwork to show that an important event has occurred.

Once again the wonders of nature repeat an amazing process. Mother Earth warms up and the hibernating frogs wake up from their Winter sleep. The frogs announce to the world the coming of Spring.

Weather - The closer the earth to the sun, the more the earth warms up. Rains diminish during this month sunshine is evident.

Economic Activities -

• This moon was especially welcomed because it was a signal to put the canoes back into the water as ocean travel would now become safer.

• Another food source is herring and herring roe. Our People placed cedar branches in the water along the shore to collect herring roe. They also stored dried herring for the future, a delicacy called QELEJ

• The earliest runs of herring were into Fulford Harbour

• This was also a good time to net ducks as they gathered on the ocean to dive for herring roe and the spawning herring. Ariel duck nuts (TEKESTEN) were used in the narrow passes between the the islands.

• Sections of the reef nets were now sewn together. Family captains would survey the beach and shoreline for rocks which could be used as reef net anchors. Rafts were assembled to carry the anchors and floats and cables were prepared for the reef nets.

Cultural Activities - The appearance of the frog was a sign to end the activities of the Winter ceremonial dances and move outdoors to prepare for the season when the Salmon People would return.