Poetry and Phenology: Seeing the Seasons

"The peaches begin to blossom, orioles sing clearly, and eagles are transformed into doves."

How did agrarian societies observe and document the passing of time? The traditional East Asian calendar was organized into 24 solar terms and 72 "microseasons," each with an associated poem of observations of the environment changing before their eyes. Participants will get a crash course on this calendar and some of the poems along with some tea. 

After this introduction, participants will have the opportunity to go out and observe their environment over the course of March. Then, at a second meeting at the end of the month, we will come together again to compose short poems, chat, and enjoy some tea (see second event for further details). 

A short handout will be provided. 

Recommended for adults, seniors, or young adults with an interest in poetry or nature!