24 THE HAKO, A PAWNEE CEREMONY [eth Ann. ;>2 



the siJi'ijig wlien the birds are mating, or iu the suiiimer when the 

 birds are nesting and caring for their young, or in the fall when the 

 birds are flooking, but not in the winter when all tilings are asleep. 

 With the Hako we are praying for the gift of life, of strength, of 

 plenty, and of peace, so we must pray when life is stirring everywhere." 



Scheme of the C'eremony 



According to the Ku'rahus, no change in the order of rites or songs 

 was permitted. The reason for this requirement becomes clear when 

 we study the ceremon}' itself. Its fundamental ideas and teachings, 

 which are among the most important for the welfare of the x>eoi)le, are 

 steadily unfolded from the initial rite to the final act through a long 

 series of observances which are replete with detail and accompanied 

 by nearly one hundred songs, yet all these dilTerent parts are so closel.v 

 articulated that any variation of relationship or any omission would 

 be disastrous to the sti"ucture. 



The Hako consists of the Preparation and the Ceremony. 



Tlie Preparation 

 First division. Initial rites. 



First ritual. Making the Hako: 



Part I. Invoking the powers. 



Part II. Preparing the feathered stems. 



Part III. Painting the ear of corn and preparing the other sacred ob.iects. 



Part IV. Offering of smoke. 

 Second ritual. Prefiguring the journey to the Son. 

 Third ritual. Sending the messenger.s. 

 Fourth ritual: 



Part I. Vivifying the sacred objects. 



Part II. Mother Corn assumes leadership. 



Part III. The Hako party pre.sentt d to the Powe'rs. 

 Second division. The journey. 

 Fifth ritual: 



Part I. Mother Corn asserts authority. 



Part II. Songs and ceremonies f)f the way. 



Part III. Mother Corn reasserts leadf rship. 

 Third divisirm. Entering the village of the Son and consecrating his lodge. 

 Sixth ritual: 



Part I. The Son's messenger received. 



Part II. Tlie Hako party enter the village. 

 Seventh ritual; 



Part I. Touching and crossing the tlireshold. 



Part II. Consecrating the lodge. 



Part III. Clothing the Son and offering smoke. 



The CcreinoHij 



First division. The public ceremony. 



Eighth ritual (first day). The Fathers feed the Children. 

 Ninth ritual (first night). Invoking the visions. 

 Tenth ritual. The Dawn: 



Part I. The birth of Dawn. 



Part II. The Morning Star and the new-l)orn Dawn. 



