This program is the second of two programs featuring short stories that represent the perspective of a different culture or indigenous society from around the globe. In this second part, we present four stories from different parts of the world centered around the theme of “Finding Patterns.”

Each story focuses on the part of the sky around the constellation Orion, visible around the world and a visual benchmark for cultures globally.

The Forge of Artemis

In ancient Greece, Orion was a mighty, though not particularly popular, hunter. His constellation shines brightly—a familiar shape to people around the world. Why did the goddess Artemis immortalize him in the sky?

Celestial Canoe

The First People of what is now northern Canada watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky—mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

The Samurai and the Stars

For many, the stars offer solace and comfort. For our Japanese narrator, images in the sky—even the colors of the stars—bring back memories of music, history and childhood.

Wayfinders

Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

This program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky.

Show length ~40 min.