Weather Signs in Old Kurdish Tradition

In the old days, our grandparents were very observant of nature’s signs. Long before there were any weather channels, they could predict whether the next day would bring rain or sunshine!

They relied mainly on two methods:

1. Reading the behavior of living creatures

• Ants (messengers of floods): If ants carried their eggs and food to higher ground, it meant heavy rain or floods were near, and people needed to protect themselves.

• Birds (air sensors): If birds and swallows flew very low and close to the ground, it was a sign that rain was coming, because changes in air pressure forced them downward.

• Domestic animals: When cows, sheep, and goats rushed back to the village in groups, it was a sign of an approaching storm.

2. Reading the sky and natural phenomena

• Moon halo: The appearance of a bright ring (xermane) around the moon signaled major weather changes, especially heavy snow or rain.

• Sunset colors: If the sky at sunset turned pale red and clear, people would say: “Pink twilight, farmers free of worry,” meaning the next day would be pleasant.

• Çamça Simawer - Pelkezêrîne (rainbow) after rain: The appearance of a rainbow after rainfall was taken as a sign of calm, blessing, and prosperity.

The natural knowledge and beliefs of our grandparents were truly rich!

What other weather signs have you heard from elders? Share them with us in the comments.

Written by: Karwan Chawmar