CHAPTER VII 



SYSTEM OF EDUCATION! 



The Winnebago seem to have had a more or less formal system of 

 instruction. This consisted of a series of precepts on different 

 aspects of life, such as the duty of fasting, of being a warrior, of 

 behavior to one's parents and relatives, how to treat one's wife 

 and women in general, how to bring up children, how to behave to 

 strangers, etc. These formal teachings were called hol-'i'l-u^, which 

 means "precepts" or "teachings." Doubtless those obtained do 

 not constitute all tlie different types existing, but they seem fairly 

 representative. 



Mt Father's Teaching to His Sons anb Daughters 



SYSTEM OF instruction TO SON 



My son, when you grow up you should see to it that you are of 

 some benefit to your fellowmen. There is only one way in which you 

 can begin to be of any aid to them, and that is to fast. So, my son, 

 see to it that you fast. Our grandfather, the fire, who stands at all 

 times in the center of our dwelling, sends forth all kinds of blessings.^ 

 Be sure that you make an attempt to obtain his blessings. 



My son, do you remember to have our grandfathers, the war chiefs, 

 bless you. See to it that they pity you.^ Some day when you go on the 

 warpath their blessings will enable you to have specific foreknowledge 

 of all that wiU happen to you on that occasion. This will likewise 

 enable you to accomplish what you desire without the danger of 

 anything interfering with your plans. Without the slightest trouble 

 you will then be able to obtain the prizes of war. Without any trouble 



1 This chapter was originaUy intended for special publication and the notes prepared for it then have 

 been retained. 



2 The fire ip'cfc) is regarded as a spirit by the Winnebago. As a spirit he possesses many gifts that are 

 of use to human beings in their sojourn on earth, and in order to obtain them, mortals must make offerings 

 of tobacco to him. He may also appear to them during their fastings and bless them with a number of 

 powers. In addition to his other powers, it is beheved that be is the messenger of Earthmaker and the 

 other spirits and that he transmits both the messages, as well as the offerings that mortals make to them, 

 by means of the smoke that rises upward. The old man speaks of the fire first, because being always 

 around them it is a comparatively easy task to make otTertngs to it. 



3 This is the regular expression used for blessing. The idea seems to be that through fasting and crying 

 you are to put yourself in a " pitiable " condition and that then the spirits, seeing your state, will pity you 

 and grant you what you have asked. The word "grandfathers" is used in the sense of ancestral spirits, 

 the thunderbirds, who are regarded as the dispensers of war power, not only by members of this clan but 

 by ail Winnebago. 



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