I 



THE CODE OF HANDSOME LAKE 85 



world, I turn and extend my arms for a friend to lead me, I pray 

 all may go where I go. Now the earth is smoky and none can see 

 the other world [as I do]. 



On the seventh day the Honon'diont hold a morning dance and 

 then proceed to cook the feast. Costumed feather dancers enter 

 the long house and dance. The " wind is open for names," or 

 opportunity is now given to bestow names. At this point if a boy 

 is to be named the priest rises and says, " Hio'gene'', dji'waga ne-e ! " 



'' Hu", hu'^ hu'^hu'^-a! " respond the people. 



If a girl is to be named there is no ceremony other than the mere 

 announcement of the name. A speech is now made by a chief 

 bidding people make ready for the sacred bowl game. 



Honou'diont visit each lodge exacting from every person stakes 

 for the sacred gamble. Each phratry is to play against the other 

 The Honon'diont then meet and match articles, value for value. 



The night previous every person endeavors to have a prophetic 

 dream, whereby they may know the result of this game. No one 

 must cheat in this game for '' it is God's." 



The great feather dance is repeated and names bestowed on this 

 day. At night the Husk Faces return and give a grand final dance. 



The ninth day is the last one of the midwinter's ceremony. Early 

 in the morning the priest gives a thanksgiving " sermon." At 

 5 p. m. occurs the dance in honor of the " three sisters," Diohe'^ko, 

 (these-we-live-on). Afterward the woman's dance is held, alter- 

 nating with the following men's dances, Trotting, Pumpkin, Pigeon 

 and Beans. The feast is then distributed and the people disperse. 



THE WHITE DOG SACRIFICE^ 



A preliminary translation of the ceremonial prayer at the burn- 

 ing of the white dog at the Seneca Indian new year's ceremony 

 (February). 



Wotokwaiiendakw^a Gaiantguntgwaa 



( wotok'waiienMakwa gaiaiit'guntgwa' ) 



Gwa ! Gwa ! Gwa ! 



So now this is the appointed time ! 



Oh listen, you who dwell in the sky ! 



1 Recorded February 1906, at Cattaraugus reservation. 



