The Oneida take into account the cycle of life in all of their ceremonies and thanksgivings. They have an obligation to live in harmony with their environment. Respect for Mother Earth is reflected as they give thanks for all living things. The moon, sun, and the seasons all follow cycles that create balance and harmony. The Oneidas look at Turtle’s back with its pattern of 13 large scales standing for the thirteen moons in each year, each with twenty-eight days from one new moon to the next. The Oneidas traditionally have four ceremonies which they incorporate into each celebration of each moon to give thanks for the Creator’s gifts.

January            Midwinter Moon

February          Snow Moon

March               Maple Syrup Moon  

April                 Thunder Moon  

May                  Planting Moon  

June                 Strawberry Moon  

July                  Green Bean Moon  

August             Green Corn Moon  

September       Harvest Moon  

October            Storing Food Moon  

November        Hunting Moon  

December        Great Light Moon  

Thirteenth        Resting Moon