Traditional Mohawk Ceremonies

Reprinted from booklet produced by the North American Indian Travelling College

Throughout the year Mohawk people gather to give thanks for the constant return of gifts the Creator has put here for us. Certain events take place at almost every ceremony. The first being the thanksgiving Address Ohen:tonkarihwatehkwen -which is recited at the beginning and end of every ceremony. It is an acknowledgement and thanksgiving to all creation. First to the people who have gathered, then mother Earth, the waters of the world, the fish life, the Tree Sisters, plants, medicines, berries, animals trees, birds, the Four Wins, our Eldest Brother the Sun, Grandmother Moon, the Stars, the Thunderers, the Four Sacred Beings, and the Creator.

The start of the Midwinter ceremonies is determined by when the Big Dipper is directly above. Then the people will wait for the first new moon, sleep five nights, and the next day will begin the Midwinter ceremonies.

The first day of Midwinter

is Sha’tekohsehra

– Stirring of the Ashes

The first day of Midwinter is called the Stirring of the Ashes (Jan.-Feb.)

The symbolism of this is that the ashes turn to dirt and dirt is the flesh of Mother Earth. The ashes are stirred to revive life.

Second day of Midwinter Ohstonwa’ko:wa

– Great Feather Dance

The firs great Feather Dance is sponsored by the Faithkeepers to the Creator. The second Great Father Dance is sponsored by the Chiefs, Clanmothers, and the people. The third Great Feather Dance is sponsored by all the people for the Creator only.

Third day of Midwinter

is Wa’therara:ken

– White Basket sacrifice

A fancy, pure white basket is made and used to hold tobacco. An elder recites on behalf of all the people. He gives a report of the past year’s activities and asks the Creator and all life forms to be supportive for the coming year. After this is done the basket will be put into the fire as an offering.

Fourth day of Midwinter

is Aton:wa

– Personal Thanksgiving Chant and name Confirmation

A man walks to the four directions of the Longhouse. He reminds the Faithkeepers, the Chiefs, Clanmothers, the people, and then the children of their duties. The man then thanks each group and praises them.

This is also the day when men will sing their personal thanksgiving song. They address the Creator and all life forms to thank and praise them and to request they be of assistance in the coming year.

Name Confirmation

Babies of all clans get their names raised the confirmed.

Fifth Day of Midwinter is

Oheho:ron – Drum Dance

A song and dance is done. The water drum is used. A spiritual history about he beginning of the world and the people is recited. This is the people’s thanksgiving through dance and speech.

Sixth and last day of Midwinter is Kaientonwa:nen

– Peach Stone Game

It is said to be a game that the Creator enjoys most. Clans play against clans. The people put in their favorite possessions. A singer may put in his favorite water drum or rattle. A basket maker may put in her favorite basket. Someone who sews may put in the favorite traditional style outfit.