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  1. Home
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  6. Birak- Season of the Young begins (December-January)

Birak- Season of the Young begins (December-January)

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Birak- Season of the Young begins (December-January)

Sunset over beach
02/12/2022
It's officially Summer! Today we commence Birak - First Summer (season of the young).
Birak season sees the rains ease up and the warm weather really start to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes that abound from the southwest. This was the fire season, a time to burn the country in mosaic patterns. An almost clockwork style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon, meant that traditionally this was the burning time of year for Noongars.
They would burn the country in mosaic patterns for several reasons including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for some animals, to aid in seed germination for some plants and for ease of mobility across the country.
As for the animals, there are many fledglings now venturing out of nests, though some are still staying close to their parents. Reptiles are looking to shed their old skin for a new one.
With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it's also time for the baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.
Look out for the striking displays of the Western Australian Christmas Tree, called moojar or Kaanya Tree by the Indigenous Noongar people. This tree has a powerful spiritual significance for the Noongar culture, who believed the spirits of ancestors rested in the branches. For this reason they stayed away from the tree, would not cut it down, and will not disturb animals that rest or live under it.
The blooms signal the hot weather is on its way and Christmas time is near. 

See more information about the WA Christmas Tree here. 

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Last Updated: 08/12/2022

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