Ulűri̋qi̋an Current Calendar

The Burîghòh of the Qiriri is very unusual for outsiders whose calendars are based on celestial bodies or gods, as it is based on the oscillation of ocean currents, the migrations of marine animals (whether dangerous or important for their own food supply), and plant growth underwater and on land. The Qiriri divide their "year" into six periods, the length of which can vary from year to year, resulting in the Ulűri̋qi̋an calendar differing drastically from others.   The water people don't reckon directly in years, but rather in descriptive events, such as the "Year of Great Blossoms," which naturally varies from place to place due to the topography and location of the many islands in different climate zones. Another problem is that the periods don't have precise, but only approximate, number of days, and they blend seamlessly into one another. They can overlap or even be entirely absent. This makes it particularly difficult for outside historians to place significant events of the Ulűri̋qi̋an calendar within other Elaqitan calendars.

The six periods are derived from Bugihrî, the current, and mean something like "current of the tides" ("oquihrî"), "current of the fins" ("botlgrî"), "current of colors" ("rôlgrî"), "current of the depths" ("ohihgrî"), "current of salt" ("gribuhrî") and "current of chaos" ("ûmohrí").

The Qiriri do not assign numbers to the periods, as is the case with most known calendars, because the order of the periods is not fixed and there are no direct names for months or days of the week. Only the first and last day of a period receive an additional prefix or suffix, "obi-" and "-ról," respectively, to mark the beginning and end. Since the Qiriri have no written records beyond underwater paintings and everything is passed down orally, more precise divisions are unnecessary in the culture of this aquatic people.

They measure the length of the day based on the water levels of tidal hours, which they divide into the "tidal of shell whispering" ("moli̋qui") for the lowest level of the ebb, the "tidal of foam" ("qűlbriqui") as the rise of the water, the "tidal of seaweed dancing" ("ìlriqui") for the highest level of the flood, and the "tidal of crab trail" ("lûmiqui") as the retreat of the water.

This period lasts approximately 20 to 30 days, divided into low and high tides that deviate from the normal tides, and into strong and weak currents. For the Qiriri, the changing of the tides symbolizes a phase of activity and departure, as well as a search for inner peace in preparation for the approaching sea voyages with all their inherent risks. There are various healing and meditation rituals for navigators and hunters, as well as the "blessing festival" for boats and equipment.

This period, which can last between 40 and 60 days, begins when large herds of livestock enter the respective territories or dangerous predators invade. It marks the main hunting season and is the most important period for the Qiriri people to obtain protein-rich food. Shortly after the first sightings, the "wave of arrival" is celebrated. At the end, the Qiriri honor the most successful hunters with the "dance of the nets."

During this phase, the sea blossoms, as colorful, often fragrant carpets of algae and other flowering plants like water lilies or vibrant seagrasses cover the water in many regions. This accelerated growth is triggered by warmer currents and the resulting influx of nutrients that are otherwise less abundant in the area. The period lasts ten to 25 days and is the time for harvesting marine plants. For the Qiriri people, it symbolizes beauty and the cycle of life, which they celebrate with the "Festival of Braided Colors."

For approximately 80 to 100 days, increasingly colder and highly nutrient-rich deep water is washed to the surface. Not only is plankton awash, but deep-sea creatures can also be driven ashore. Everything grows and thrives, and for the Qiriri, this marks the beginning of the most important harvesting phase, a time to slowly prepare for the "resting phase" of the seas and to build up reserves. It is not only the longest period but also the most sacred time for the Qiriri, which is why the ceremonies are deeply spiritual. The "Festival of Renewal" and the "Wave of Deep Offering" are celebrated as expressions of gratitude to the sea.

The sea's natural environment retreats into a kind of hibernation. During this period of approximately 50 to 70 days, strong currents weaken, and schools of fish are rarely seen. The blue or turquoise color of the lagoons and seas transforms into a pale gray-blue, and the air smells and tastes distinctly saltier. It is a time for remembering the past and for reaffirming one's own resilience, which is why the Qiriri celebrate the "Festival of Remembrance" and the "Memorial of Salt."

This period is rather rare, but is most feared by the Qiriri, as the currents move in the opposite direction during this phase, disrupting the nature of the sea and potentially destroying the livelihood of the sea people. It lasts between 70 and 100 days. Various small protective and mourning festivals are held, during which the ancestors are asked for assistance. The "Festival of Benevolent Waves," which includes rituals of fasting and offerings to the ancestors, is intended to appease the sea and be a beacon of hope.