The Old People Calendar

On 1st January, a new year begins, marking the start of the Twelve Days Calendar, commonly referred to as The Old People Calendar by islanders.

This tradition, inherited from our ancestors, serves as a method for predicting events throughout the year. According to this belief, the first 12 days of January symbolize the 12 months of the new year. Events occurring on these days are thought to predict similar occurrences in the corresponding months.

Typically, predictions revolve around the weather. January weather can be unpredictable, with the first 12 days experiencing varying conditions such as sunshine, rain, or wind. The prevailing weather on each day is believed to occur on most days in the month represented by that day. For instance, if it rains on January 6, there's a likelihood of frequent rain in June, as day 6 symbolizes June.

This principle also applies to other events like deaths. If someone passes away on the first day of the year, it's considered to foretell a year of mourning or a higher mortality on the islands. The first day of January holds particular significance as it is seen as a predictor for the entire year, beyond just weather events.

While the origin of this belief among the people of the Corn Islands is uncertain, it is widely embraced, especially by the elderly. Each year, you'll find individuals attributing meaning to the day and making predictions based on the 12 days of January, also known as the Old People Calendar.