In the heart of Aceh province, the Kluet ethnic group preserves a unique calendrical system known as “Keuneunong” or “Keening,” deeply rooted in the natural cycles of wind direction, the sun’s orbit, and seasonal shifts for agricultural purposes.
In the heart of Aceh, a time-honored tradition known as Keuneunong plays a pivotal role in the lives of local communities, guiding their agricultural, maritime, and ceremonial practices. This intricate system, composed of twelve distinct phases throughout the year, is not just a method for predicting weather based on natural signs but also a reservoir of ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Iskandar Norman, an Acehnese historian, illuminates the tradition’s beginning with Keunong dua ploh lhee in Jumadil Akhir, signaling the onset of weather changes with strong easterly winds and the golden hues of ripening paddy fields.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Keuneunong: Aceh’s Ancient Calendar For Predicting Weather
For fishermen like Ruslan of Pulo Aceh, the relevance of Keuneunong endures, merging traditional celestial navigation with the rhythms of the moon and stars to forecast weather at sea. Despite the modern reliance on GPS and compasses, this indigenous knowledge remains invaluable, particularly in anticipating hydrological disasters. Research by Zulchaidir emphasizes the importance of preserving such local wisdom as a form of Local and Indigenous Knowledge (LINK), crucial for Acehnese communities to navigate climatic and environmental shifts.
In the heart of Aceh, a time-honored tradition known as Keuneunong plays a pivotal role in the lives of local communities, guiding their agricultural, maritime, and ceremonial practices. This intricate system, composed of twelve distinct phases throughout the year, is not just a method for predicting weather based on natural signs but also a reservoir of ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Iskandar Norman, an Acehnese historian, illuminates the tradition’s beginning with Keunong dua ploh lhee in Jumadil Akhir, signaling the onset of weather changes with strong easterly winds and the golden hues of ripening paddy fields.
Various methods are employed across Aceh to ascertain Keuneunong, including a numerical system in Aceh Besar, where a specific number correlates to a month, guiding agricultural timing even in seemingly unfavorable conditions. Remarkably, this system’s predictions often precede the onset of rain, validating its accuracy and deep-rooted connection to the land.
Traditionally, the seeding begins in July, with widespread sowing in August, and the opportunity to plant extending into October. The lifecycle of rice, taking 40-44 days from germination to transplantation, dictates the agricultural calendar, culminating in November when it’s time to move the young plants to the fields. By December, further planting is discouraged due to the increased risk of pests and diminishing rains, marking the close of the annual cycle.
This enduring practice of Keuneunong, with its deep integration into Acehnese culture, stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between people and their environment, highlighting the significance of indigenous knowledge in contemporary society.
Lead image courtesy of Imadul Auwalin via Getty Images
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