In our northern hemisphere, the Big Dipper is probably the sky’s best known asterism – a group of stars that is not a recognized constellation. The Big Dipper actually belongs to the constellation Ursa Major, otherwise known as the Big Bear.

Every year, the Big Bear descends to its lowest point in the sky on November evenings. In fact, people in the southern part of the United States can’t see the Big Bear at evening right now, because it swings beneath their northern horizon. Even in the northern states, the Big Bear is hard to spot. The Big Bear walks atop the northern horizon, ducking behind any obstructions – such as trees and mountains.

To the Micmac Indians living in southeast Canada, the Celestial Bear coming down to Earth signals the start of hibernation season. This is when Earthly bears return to their dens, and when the sap of trees returns to the warm womb of the underworld. Weary creation is tucking in, awaiting winter’s deep, dark slumber.

The Micmacs saw the Big Dipper handle stars as hunters forever chasing Celestial Bear. Every year, these hunters catch Celestial Bear in fall, and it’s the dripping blood from the Bear that colors the autumn landscape.

Written by Bruce McClure

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