In Our Languages: Cahuilla
The Moon is a Woman
Story as told to J.P. Harrington by Adam Castillo
Modern transcription by Ray Huaute
Pe’ ya’l menyily nawishmal.
The moon, it is said, is a woman.
Yan kilye elat’pa nanvayaxqa.
But she does not fit in any dress.
Amnawqa pen inishlawqa.
She grows big and she grows small.
Tuhaymanichi mamaavish hiwqa.
She is always half-clothed.
Mexanve teew’e tutulek peta.
Her clothing is seen as spots on her.
Pen supish ngiiqa, kilye teewe
And suddenly, itdisappears and cannot be seen.
Angapa penepisqalipa inishily acha’ teewe.
When it comes out again very little is showing.
Penga pe hemnanamwe’ kikitam.
It was at this time when the boys would have races.
Pish hemwelpi menyily nashqalipa ayxanuk.
So that they would grow to be big like the moon.
Menyily ay nashqa, hemyaxwene.
The moon is already new, they would say. She is already born.
