BADiN] CEEEMONIAL ORGANIZATION 323 



Indians who exist and especially those who are present at this feast. 

 For that reason do we deliver these speeches. We were told that 

 at the place where we originated our ancestors now remain, regard- 

 ing it as their home. There they expectantly await us. So our 

 ancestors spoke. Our offering at this feast is intended for that pur- 

 pose. Let us pour tobacco for them. Let us place at the edge of 

 the fire the four bark receptacles. Now listen to me for I am going 

 to pour tobacco. 



(He now addresses the four original clan beings.) 



"On the north side, Earthmaker created you. Four brothers he 

 placed there (you being one of them). And when one of them 

 started for the earth those remaining asked to be remembered at this 

 feast. These are the objects they asked to be given as offerings — 

 tobacco, feathers, and boiled food. Earthmaker gave you that kind of 

 life-giving material. We, in turn, ask you for this, so that when you 

 take our offerings you will grant us what we ask. Here they are, 

 the offerings with which you wished to be remembered. The spirits 

 promised to give them. We are praying now not only for our own, 

 but for all the clans. Our life will be strengthened, it was said. 

 These words that I am telling you now, they used. We must act very 

 cautiously in this, they said. 



"If you place a portion of boiled food away as an offering, you 

 must use it only in that particular place. Do not do otherwise. 

 This way only is the correct way to do it." 



Then he spoke to the attendant and said, "Are you ready ? Go and 

 get all these people who are to eat. They must bring their spoons 

 with them." 



Then the attendant brought the people into the lodge and put 

 some food in their plates. 



"Place the people around the plate and let them be seated," the 

 host said. "Now turn the fire down and get ready. Hold your 

 spoons in your left hand, for with that only are you allowed to eat. 

 None of you must talk nor laugh. You must do what I tell you. 

 Before the meal begins let us sing. Let us do it now." (They then 

 sing the four clan songs.) 



"Thus they have told us. Tliat way it was at the place where we 

 began life. 



"Now the meal is over. We have had a minor council. We have 

 acted correctly. It is good that you who are present have come at 

 our request. You have eaten very well, and we thank you for it. 

 This is what those from whom we originated told us to do. This 

 councU-feast they pleaded for. 'We should act very cautiously, 

 they said. That you have done. It is good that you have eaten 

 for our benefit. Now is about time for us to finish. I greet you aU." 



