Makuru is the Nyungar name for the winter months of June and July.  It was the fertility season and the time of the first rains.  The arrival of Makuru signalled to Nyungar people it was time to travel to inland hunting areas.

People would shelter up in the forests in the ranges and escarpments away from the fierce winter storms coming up off the southern ocean.  Nyungars moved to inland forests and hunting areas once the rains had replenished inland water resources.  Tuberous plants (Tribonanthes sp) were collected.  Kuljak (swans) began moulting making them unable to fly and easy to catch.  By holding a smouldering Poolgarla branch (bull banksia, Banksia grandis) beneath their Bookas (Yonga skin cloaks) Nyungars were able to keep warm.  

(Source: https://www.derbalnara.org.au/six-seasons/makuru-jun-jul).

Students from the Year 5/6 class have been writing poems about what Makuru means to them during Literacy sessions with Reneé.  We would love to share some with you…

Makuru     by Benjamin

I see the white mushroom with the red top emerging from a log

I hear the trees rustling in the wind

I smell the icy wind coming from the south

I see the grey clouds slowly darkening

I feel whole.

Makuru     by Anoushka

Makuru is rising with us

Makuru is a mystery until it all happens

Makuru is the day slipping from us

Makuru is the darkness engulfing us in the early mornings

Makuru is a new beginning.

Makuru     by Finn

I see the glistening droplets that shimmer like little stars

I hear the thunder that roars all through the night

I smell the hot cocoa that rises to the stars

I feel refreshed and calm

I see the sunset that shimmers and glows.

Makuru     by Jayden

I see the winter’s fog rising from the grass

I hear the rain dropping from sky to leaf

I smell the fresh air the rain has made

I see the waves crashing onto the sand

I feel the wet land and everything around me.