i6o 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



The seats in the lodge are arranged around the sides of the room 

 leaving the center of the room open. 



When all is in readiness a Ho-non-di-ont takes a basket of sacred 

 tobacco, O-yan-kwa o-weh, and, as he chants the opening cere- 

 mony he casts the sacred herb into the smoldering coals. The 

 lights are all burning and the members are in their seats, the only 

 exception being the feast makers whose duties require their atten- 

 tion at the fireplace. 



From the manuscript notes of Mrs Harriet Maxwell Converse, I 

 find the following translation of the " Line around the Fire Cere- 

 mony." 



The Line around the Fire Ceremony 



The Singer, (to the members): "This is the line around the 

 fire ceremony. Now I have asked blessings and made prayer." 



The Singer sprinkles sacred tobacco on the fire. 



The Singer speaks to the invisible powers: 

 " Now I give you incense, 1 

 You, the Great Darkness! 

 You, our great grandparents, here tonight, 

 We offer you incense ! 



We assemble at certain times in the year 



That this may be done. 



We trust that all believe in this medicine, 



For all are invited to partake of this medicine. 



(Now one has resigned. We ask you to let him 



off in a friendly manner. Give him good luck and take 



care that his friends remain faithful!) 



(To the Thunder Spirit) 



Now we offer you this incense! 

 Some have had ill luck 

 Endeavoring to give a human being. 

 We hope you will take hold 

 And help your grandchildren, 

 Nor be discouraged in us ! 

 Now we act as we offer you incense! 

 You love it the most of all offerings. 

 With it you will hear us better 

 And not tire of our talking, 

 But love us with all power 

 Beyond all treasures 



Or spreading your words through the air! 



1 In all cases the word here translated "incense" should read tobacco. 



