They Will
Not Raise Their Camp On That Day, Unless In Extreme Cases Of
Danger Or Hunger:
Neither will they hunt, nor fish, nor trade,
nor perform any kind of labor on that day.
A part of it is passed
in prayer and religious ceremonies. Some chief, who is generally
at the same time what is called a "medicine man," assembles the
community. After invoking blessings from the Deity, he addresses
the assemblage, exhorting them to good conduct; to be diligent in
providing for their families; to abstain from lying and stealing;
to avoid quarrelling or cheating in their play, and to be just
and hospitable to all strangers who may be among them. Prayers
and exhortations are also made, early in the morning, on week
days. Sometimes, all this is done by the chief from horseback;
moving slowly about the camp, with his hat on, and uttering his
exhortations with a loud voice. On all occasions, the bystanders
listen with profound attention; and at the end of every sentence
respond one word in unison, apparently equivalent to an amen.
While these prayers and exhortations are going on, every
employment in the camp is suspended. If an Indian is riding by
the place, he dismounts, holds his horse, and attends with
reverence until all is done. When the chief has finished his
prayer or exhortation, he says, "I have done," upon which there
is a general exclamation in unison.
With these religious services, probably derived from the white
men, the tribes above-mentioned mingle some of their old Indian
ceremonials, such as dancing to the cadence of a song or ballad,
which is generally done in a large lodge provided for the
purpose.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 400 of 442
Words from 107144 to 107426
of 118673
