322 THE WINNEBAGO TEIBE [eth. ann. 37 



the members of my clan, sufficient blessings to guide us all safely 

 through life, and to make our lives pleasant. I will not tell the 

 origin myth (of our clan) because it is sacred and it must not be told 

 without the proper ceremony, for the telling would then injure an 

 individual. Besides there are many clans beside our own represented 

 here and it is not proper that these should hear it." 



He then speaks of the four ancestral bear-beings who were created 

 in the beginning. 



When the feast is ready one of the Wolf clansmen gives four 

 soldier whoops. Then the fire is allowed to die out, and as soon 

 as the lodge is in complete darkness the feasters begin to eat. Before 

 eating, the host sings four songs. These are the clan songs and are 

 only sung at these feasts or on the occasion of the death of a clans- 

 man. 



Those who partake of food at the feast may be members of any 

 clan except the Bear clan. The members of the latter clan do not 

 eat at their own feast. 



Ever\-one attending must bring liis o^\ti wooden spoon and must 

 use it with his left hand. There are four wooden dishes in which 

 the food is served. These are arranged in the lodge in a certain 

 manner. 



The guests sit around these dishes and eat with their o^\^l spoons. 



The feast is given in the first bear month. Some one generally 

 watches the moon and as soon as the new moon is visible the feast 

 begins. The feathers and the tobacco to be offered are placed in 

 four little troughs made of basswood bark, each about 1 foot long. 

 These are then placed on the south side of the fireplace. 



Wlien the meal is over the attendant or Wolf clansman generally 

 says a few words of thanks to the host and then the host in turn 

 thanks those who have participated and tells them that the feast 

 is now over. AU now pass out, the one next to the host leaving 

 first and the rest in succession, the host himself remaining until 

 the end. 



Wlien the feast is over the tobacco and the feathers are taken 

 away from the lodge and carried in a southern direction to a place 

 (under a tree) that has been especially cleared and sanctified. Any 

 person may therafter go there, offer tobacco, and ask for long life. 



Informant, member of the clan (male): "Well, soldiers, your 

 moon is about to appear. It is good. So come forth-, for it is at 

 this time that the spirits asked to be remembered. Let us send, on 

 this occasion, to the place at which we all originated, whatever we 

 possess of wealth. This is what the spirits asked of old. Let us 

 therefore put the kettle on and prepare the feast. 



"This is the way in which we prepare the feast. I offer only one 

 small kettle. Here is my offering. I pray that what 1 offer may 

 suffice and bring enough blessings from the spirits to include aU the 



