Berber calendar facts for kids

The Berber calendar is a special way of keeping track of time, mostly used in North Africa. It helps people know when to do important farming jobs throughout the year.

What is the Berber Calendar?

The Berber calendar is a traditional calendar used by the Berber people, also known as the Imazighen. These people live across North Africa, in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and parts of Egypt. This calendar is mainly used for farming and understanding the seasons. It helps farmers know the best times to plant seeds, harvest crops, and manage their animals.

How is it Different from Our Calendar?

Most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar, which is the one with January, February, March, and so on. The Berber calendar is different! It's based on an older calendar from the Roman Empire, which was used in North Africa a long time ago. This means its months and days don't always line up perfectly with the Gregorian calendar. For example, the Berber New Year, called Yennayer, usually falls around January 12th or 14th on our calendar.

Why is it Important for Farming?

For centuries, farming has been a very important part of life for Berber communities. The Berber calendar helps them follow the natural rhythm of the seasons. It tells them about:

• Rainy seasons: When to expect rain for crops.
• Planting times: The best days to put seeds in the ground.
• Harvesting: When crops are ready to be picked.
• Animal care: How to prepare for different weather conditions for their livestock.

This knowledge passed down through generations helps ensure good harvests and supports their way of life.

Months of the Berber Calendar

The Berber calendar has 12 months, just like the Gregorian calendar. However, their names are often based on old Latin or Arabic words, showing the history of the region. Here are some of the months:

• Yennayer: This is the first month and marks the Berber New Year.
• Furar: The second month.
• Meghres: The third month, often associated with spring.

Each month has specific traditions or farming tasks linked to it.

Berber New Year: Yennayer

The Berber New Year, Yennayer, is a very special celebration. It usually happens around January 12th or 14th of the Gregorian calendar. It's a time for families to gather, share traditional foods, and celebrate the start of a new agricultural cycle. People often prepare special dishes like couscous with seven vegetables, which symbolizes a wish for a plentiful year. It's a way to honor their ancestors and look forward to a good harvest.

History of the Berber Calendar

The Berber calendar has a long history. It's thought to have developed from the Julian calendar, which was used by the Romans. When the Romans were in North Africa, their calendar influenced the local people. Over time, the Berbers adapted it to fit their own farming needs and local traditions. Even though many people now use the Gregorian calendar for daily life, the traditional Berber calendar is still important for cultural events and farming in many rural areas. It's a living link to their past and a way to preserve their unique heritage.

Images for kids

• 

  Seasons in North Africa: Atlas Mountains in January and April

• 

  A page from a Tunisian calendar, showing the correspondence of 1 Yennayer ʿajmi (in red on bottom) with 14 January of the Gregorian calendar. The writing on the bottom signals that it is ʿajmi New Year's Day and that al-lyali al-sud ("the black nights") are beginning.

See also

In Spanish: Calendario bereber para niños