A SYMPHONY OF SEASONS (Robert Schulz 2007)

PROGRAM NOTES

1.      Mukuru. (May - June)

First Rains - This is the season when hibernating frogs break through the soft soil and hop down towards water holes, often becoming easy prey.

Fertility Season - Most tall trees break into bloom indicating larger fish are due to spawn in rivers and estuaries.

2.      Djilba. (July - August)

Second Rains - A season of rains helping to fill the lakes and waterholes. Streams thriving with tiny bugs, tadpoles and small fish attract feeding flocks of waterfowl and cranes.

Season of Conception - The tall trees are now losing their blossoms a signal indicating that the waterfowl have dined well and are now easy prey.

3.      Kamabrang. (September - October)

Wildflower Season - The floor of the landscape becomes carpeted with a rainbow of wildflowers and there is a natural increase in game and hunting.

Season of Birth - When insects are in a hive of activity. Animals are feeding their hatchlings or newborns.

4.      Birak. (November - December)

First Summer - The beginning of summer and increased warmth of the sun encourages reptiles to venture out of hibernation becoming another source of "bush tucker".

Season of the Young - Young hatchlings and animals become active and playful.

5.      Bunuru. (January - February)

Second Summer - Larger shrubs and bushy trees come into bloom including banksias, wattle and gravilia. The grass tree is in flower. The leaf fronds were used for sifting sand and ash from meals cooked in the coals of the fire.

Season of Adolescence - This is the time the Nyoongars (local Aboriginal tribe) teach their children the art of tool making.

6.      Djeran. (March - April)

Autumn Season - The smaller of the tall trees are in flower. This season symbolises the maturing of the young animals and is a time when men gather to form hunting parties often travelling great distances.

Season of Adulthood - This is the time of marriage and courtship ceremonies. Young people return to their communities after ceremonies to feast and take their place amongst the adults and to become responsible and look after the community.

[These notes were taken from a plaque in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia.]