Spirit of the Seasons, part 21: The Coming of the Spring Thunders

zhaawano
5 days ago
3 min read

Ziizbaakdoke-giizis (Sugaring Moon)/Onaabani-giizis (Snowcrust Moon) (March 21, 2026)

The wind Medicine Healer Painting by Zhaawano Giizhik

Boozhoo! As we recently experienced the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere, I want to share another reflection on spring with you.

For the members of Anishinaabe Animikiigamig (the Ojibwe Thunder Lodge) in the west, the beginning of spring and the winter solstice are closely connected. As taught by Elder Jessie Cree from Mikinaakwajiwing (Turtle Mountain reservation in North Dakota), this specific Animikiigamig tradition recognizes four animikiig (Thunders). The oldest, the Waabishki-animikiig (White Thunders), bring snow and ice, while the youngest, the Ziigwan Animikiig (Spring Thunders), bring the spring rains. When the Thunders announce the arrival of spring during winter, makoonsag (baby bears) are born. The Thunders awaken the makwag (bears) and give the Anishinaabeg thunder names. In winter, the Thunders permit rain to melt the ice and snow, symbolizing the awakening of Mother Earth.

As the winter solstice nears, the Thunder people of Animikiigamig begin preparing tobacco offerings. They prepare this offering for the Thunderbird expected at the summer solstice. Four lodge members, symbolizing the four Thunders, place the asemaa in a white cloth representing winter. During the Thirsty Dance (Sun Dance) at the summer solstice, this tobacco offering is used in the first pipe to offer the Thunders a smoke. The same four individuals smoke the first pipeful of tobacco—the first plant of Creation—as a gesture of gratitude to the first Thunderbird that brings rain. This tobacco bundle is kept in a bison skull until it is opened at the summer solstice.

These activities, such as feasting, offering spirit dishes, storytelling, and preparing asemaa for the Thunder Grandfathers, occur around akiinaaniwan (winter solstice), which is considered the yearly beginning of the lunar calendar.

Miigwech gibizindayeg, thank you all for listening!

For more reading about the lunar calendar of the Anishinaabeg peoples, see: Dance of the 13 Moons