'Tree Popping Moon' or ‘čhaŋkáphopa wí’ (December)

Tree Popping Moon, or ‘čhaŋkáphopa wí’, refers to December. It is called this due to the frigid temperatures that happen during the winter season. Oftentimes, Dakota people could hear the trees popping from the extremely cold weather. When the trees began to pop, this meant that Winter was upon us and to be prepared for more harsh, cold weather. A drawing of a leafless tree with a small bird perched on a branch. The tree is centered in front of a large, bright yellow circle resembling the sun. Sound wave lines indicate the popping sound coming from the tree.