November 19th

Night-Fowling, Makahiki

 

According to the Perpetual Almanack of Folklore and Markham Hunger’s Prevention 1621, this is the best time for night-fowling. The weather should be mild and the moon full. One is to then take a small bell with a melodic sound, a net, and a bundle of straw into some stubble field. The net is then to be laid upon the ground close to the bushes. The bell is then tolled to awaken the fowl lingering nearby. A fire is then started with the straw to frighten the awakened birds out of the bushes and into the net.

Makahiki is the beginning of the Hawaiian harvest season when the Pleiades become visible in the night sky. According to Greek legend, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione; sisters of Hyades. Zeus placed them in the heavens to help them escape the amorous inclinations of Orion, who had fallen in love with them.