Natural Cues For Time Keeping And Weather Forecasting

Shulat Sohkhlet, Kelio Dohling and Richard Ranee

Ki Dak Peit Por Bad Peit Ia Ka Mariang (Natural Cues For Time Keeping And Weather Forecasting) - Dewlieh

In olden days, when people did not have watches, the community relied on nature’s cues for timekeeping and predicting weather patterns. They closely observed the plants, insects and animals to manage their daily activities and this served as a means of understanding seasonal changes and impending weather events.

There is a belief that all farming activities must end before the darkness descend as by the order of nature. Men are to work during the day while the nights are for the spirits to roam and also time for the guardian of the crops to visit the field and therefore must return home before nightfall.

Some of these cues for timekeeping include:

The leaves of the tree, dieng phyllut: When its leaves close and droop down, resembling a state of slumber, this served as a subtle signal for farmers to wrap up their activities and head home, marking the end of the day’s work. This tree is also known to improve soil fertility, leaves are used as mulch and the bark used for fishing.

Jasieh, wild edible plant: The stages of the leaves drooping downward help farmers tell of the time. If the plant "dem shimat" (slightly bends down), it indicated that it was still suitable to continue working. When it reached the "dem ar mat" stage (droops down further), it was a sign that the day was progressing, and at "dem lai mat" (droops downward even more), it was a clear indication that it was time to conclude work and return home.

Dohdak, a species of frog: The croak of the dohdak indicative of the progress of the day especially in summer. When a single croak lasting for a brief moment is heard, it means the day is still long and people can continue to perform their farming activities. As they begin to hear the loud rhythmic croaks, lasting for few minutes and pausing for brief moment, it indicated approaching darkness, prompting farmers to wrap up their activities and make their way home

The natural cues for weather prediction include:

Calls of bird, Sim pait pliar: The calls of the Sim pait pliar bird during sowing season serve as an indicator for the community regarding the forthcoming harvest. When the bird's song consists of the repetition "pait pliar pait pliar," it signifies the prediction of a fruitful year, known as "nem shram," suggesting that the harvest will be plentiful. Conversely, if the sound includes "tur tur tur pait pliar," it indicated a less productive year, referred to as "nem jem," suggesting that the harvest may be less productive.

Flowers of the Dieng ngan tree: The dieng ngan tree's flower petals offer insights into the upcoming rainfall patterns. If most flowers fall with their petals turned up, it suggests a year of abundant rainfall. Conversely, when the majority of flowers drop with their petals turned down, it indicates a year of reduced rainfall and potentially lower harvest yields.

The mangkariang, impression on rocks: In riverbeds, individuals frequently observe dark brownish impressions etched on rocks, resembling lines. Traditionally, these impressions were interpreted as signs foretelling the rainfall expected in the upcoming year, offering insights into the anticipated rise in water levels. This insight is useful for regular anglers, aiding them in making informed decisions about fishing depths and ensuring they stay on rocks up to a level that minimises the risk of being swept away by water currents.

Earthworms: Earthworms are important in indicating weather. During September, a phenomenon called "hiar wieh" took place, characterised by a mass migration of earthworms descending towards the river. These earthworms formed tightly coiled balls as they rolled downhill toward the water, with some inadvertently falling into the rivers, becoming prey for fish. This event signals the retreat of the monsoon. Conversely, from the month of April and in June, a contrasting occurrence known as "kiew wieh" occurred, witnessing earthworms ascending towards the uplands. This served as a clear indication of the impending rains.