The Seven Seasons of the Kulin Nation: Wisdom Woven Into Jewellery
Across Central Victoria, the Kulin Nation lived by a cycle of seven seasons, each guided not by a fixed calendar but by the rhythms of the land—flowering plants, animal behavior, and shifting weather. These cycles taught people when to harvest, when to rest, and how to live sustainably with Country. Today, this knowledge continues to inspire, offering pathways towards a more harmonious relationship with nature.
Our seven-section necklace design is a modern tribute to this wisdom. Each twist of mesh and bead reflects a season, carrying the story of ecological balance and resilience. Just as the necklace forms a circle, so too do the Kulin seasons flow into one another, reminding us that life is cyclical and interconnected.
1. Biderap (Dry Season, Jan–Feb)
The golden warmth of Biderap represents the dry, hot months. In the necklace, shimmering tones recall the sun’s strength, echoing lessons of conserving energy and resources when the land rests.
2. Iuk (Eel Season, March)
Eel migrations defined this season. The flowing mesh mirrors the movement of rivers, symbolizing sustainable harvests and the wisdom of taking only what is needed.
3. Waring (Wombat Season, Apr–Jul)
As wombats became more active, people prepared for the colder months. The solid, grounding textures of this section reflect stability and foresight—key to living well within natural limits.
4. Guling (Orchid Season, Aug)
When orchids bloomed, they signaled renewal. The soft blush hues of the necklace capture this delicate beauty, reminding us to cherish biodiversity and the small wonders that sustain ecosystems.
5. Poorneet (Tadpole Season, Sept–Oct)
Tadpoles marked abundance in waterways. Beads in this section suggest drops of water, symbolizing the vitality of wetlands and the importance of protecting our freshwater lifelines.
6. Buarth Gurru (Grass Flowering Season, Nov)
The flowering of kangaroo grass signaled resilience. Woven mesh here reflects ancient practices of land care, including controlled burns that nourished renewal—sustainable strategies still vital today.
7. Garrawang/Gunyang (Kangaroo-Apple Season, Dec)
The ripening of kangaroo apples taught patience and timing. Darker tones within this section represent wisdom—understanding when nature’s gifts are ready and when restraint is required.
Sustainability in Story and Design
Just as the Kulin Nation shaped their lives around the flow of seven seasons, this necklace celebrates cycles of renewal, abundance, and respect for Country. Each segment embodies a season’s lesson, woven together into a whole—reminding us that sustainability is not about isolated actions but about balance across time.
By wearing this piece, one carries not only an artwork but also a story: of patience, care, and connection. It is jewellery that speaks of ancient wisdom yet resonates deeply with our modern need for sustainable living.
The Seven Seasons Necklace is more than adornment—it is a circle of learning, a wearable reminder that to live beautifully is to live responsibly, in harmony with the rhythms of the Earth.
LINK to Whispers of the Land video
