The Shepherd's Calendar

The Shepherd's Calendar, written by Christopher Sauer around 1578, is a poetic guide that aligns the yearly agricultural and pastoral tasks with the months of the year. It reflects the traditional rural cycle, detailing activities like planting, tending, harvesting, and caring for sheep, based on seasonal changes. The work combines practical advice with poetic descriptions, illustrating the close relationship between rural life and the natural environment. Essentially, it serves as both an instructional resource and a reflection of the importance of agriculture and shepherding in 16th-century rural communities.