fletcher] fifteenth ritual, part i 339 



Second Division. The Secret Ceremonies 



fifteenth ritual (fourth night) 



Part I. Thk Flocking of the Birds 



The last meal given by the Fathers was eaten by the Children dur- 

 ing the forenoon of the fourth day. Afterward gifts were presented 

 to the Children and they went to their homes. 



The afternoon was occupied in preparation for tlie approacliing 

 secret ceremonies, which began at sunset and at which no one could 

 be present but the Fathers, the Son, and his near relatives — tliose 

 primarily concerned in the pi'omises of the llako. 



These ceremonies opened with a song suggesting the fulfilment of 

 tlie prouiises and the joy of the people. Again we note the use of 

 prefiguration at the beginning of a rite. 



This song — the flocking of birds — is in three groups of two stanzas 

 each. 



The first group speaks of the flock, the old birds, with their young 

 now grown, moving about with strength and power, shaking the trees 

 by their numbers as they alight and rise; so .shall the people increase 

 and be powerful by their numbers. 



The second group speaks of Kawas as bringing from the powers 

 the gift of this increase. She comes as a special messenger. Leaving 

 the flock she flies direct to the people, as the eagle flies straight to its 

 nest. The lodge of the Son is her nest, and she is coming to fulfil 

 the i)romise of increase. 



The third group deals with the rejoicing of the people over the 

 promise received through this ceremony. The joyful noise which 

 they make as they bring their thank offerings to the Fathers is like 

 that of a great flock of birds. 



The song not only pictures the increased power which is to come 

 to tlie people through the Hako; it also refers to the immediate joyous 

 influence of the ceremonj' on the iieople, in the happiness and grati- 

 tude felt in the giving and receiving of the required gifts. 



The realistic whistle, made from the wing bone of the eagle, used 

 to accompany the songs of these secret ceremonies, emphasizes the 

 prophetic assurances of Kawas. 



SONG'i 



Didyi-diii of Time 



'• Music on page 184. 



