Letter O

is for Observations.
Through many generations of observation, the Ancestral Pueblo people gained a deep understanding of the natural world. They incorporated their knowledge of astronomical events into the construction of the great houses by aligning walls and other features with annual solar and lunar events. For example, the North, or back, wall of the Aztec West great house runs East-West, and is aligned with the Summer Solstice sunrise and the Winter Solstice sunset.

Phenological observations were also a very important part of life. Phenology is the study of the timing of periodic plant and animal life cycle events, such as when specific plants first produce leaves, buds or flowers, and when they set fruit; when specific species of insects, birds and other animals first return in the spring, or leave in the fall; when specific animal species mate, give birth, shed winter or summer coats, and other noticeable behaviors.

Keeping track of astronomical and phenological cycles was important to the Ancestral Pueblo people because it helped them decide when to plant or harvest certain food and medicinal plants, and when to hunt or fish for certain animals. It was also important for keeping a precise ceremonial calendar.

What observations of the natural world do you like to keep track of?

  • Source: www.facebook.com/AztecRuinsNM