MOHAWK FUNERAL RITUAL

Submitted by Doug - Kanentiio George

The longhouse is divided into two sections: those who are grieving (family, friends, clan) sit to the north while those who are responding (the other clans) are seated to the south with the body of the deceased in the center. The body is carried into the longhouse from the east (men’s entrance) with the feet placed to the west (women’s entrance) from which it will leave. The speakers for the event are selected from the healing clan with a responder chosen from the mourning clan. The pallbearers, all from the healing clan, sit behind the casket across from the immediate family.

The body is spoken to at the time and place where the last breath has been taken. The person is addressed with the belief that the spirit will hear the words. The person is told that the body has died and they are to prepare for their transition to the other world. They are told there is a time for the spirit to adjust to this new experience and there should be no confusion as to what has taken place. They were given the gift of life with the body taken from the earth and now it is time to return it to the mother. The spirit is told of what will now take place, that a specific number of days have been set aside for the friends and family to gather and grieve. The spirit is told that the body will be cleansed and prepared so that the people may see their loved one and affirm that they are no longer on this earth.

The spirit is told that the body will be brought to a certain place for the mourning period and then carried to the longhouse for the final ceremony. At times, the death of the body may happen suddenly so it is important to speak to the spirit to inform them of what has happened so that it understands. The body is brought to a place of mourning (home or otherwise) for three nights where meals are set aside for the spirit. Once the three days are completed the spirit is told that the body will be brought to the longhouse.

Once the body is before the people the casket is opened and the speaker from the healing side begins. The healing clan speaker says:

“You, (name) have had great power. You have called together all of the people from many places, some of whom have travelled great distances, to be here today. Such is the love they have for you; the leaders of the nation, your friends, clan and family have been brought together to see you once more as you begin your journey to the Creator’s land. No one knows the number of days in which we are given to live on this earth. The Creator only knows this and has given each one of us a certain number of days, like notches on a stick. It is the Creator’s will that we don’t know our days so that we will take nothing for granted and will be grateful for the gift of life. While we’re in grief we cannot hold on to it.”

These words are spoken so that sadness will be relieved.

“We know the kind of person you were. You took delight in in your family and friends. You enjoyed the things around you and were kind to other people. You were generous to the chiefs, clanmothers, faithkeepers, family and friends. You had a good sense of humor. You enjoyed the game of lacrosse, making things for others, preparing a good home for your family and visitors. You took pleasure in the ceremonies. You always had a good word for others. Now this is over and those things which brought you pleasure have ended. You are now to go on to the Creator’s land to undertake a journey of power. Your body will be placed into the ground to be wrapped in the blanket of mother earth. The mourning clan has been informed as to what has happened. We have taken over their normal duties and have taken care of the body and the funeral. We have prepared a place for your body in the earth. We remind the mourning side that while there is death the creation goes on. The winds will continue to blow across the land, our eldest brother, the sun, will rise in the morning, the birds will sing, the waters will flow. As they do, we also must carry on. There are a certain number of days in which we grieve but at its end we are restored to our duties.”

The speaker for the mourning clan responds by accepting the words of condolence. The speaker will remind the people of the need to return to their normal tasks. The people will be told that they may not see their loved one in this world but will there will be a time when they are reunited in the Creator’s land. They will see the deceased when it is our time. The people are told that the body is here for them to see one last time. The healing clan then walks to the body and speaks directly to the spirit. The spirit is told what has been done from the time of death to the present moment. The mourning clan is told that the words are meant to clear their throat so they may speak using the purest water, that the ears are cleared so they may hear using the softest of feathers and their eyes wiped clean of tears with the fur of the deer. Once that is done the leaders of the nation view the body, approaching from the east, walk around the coffin and leave the longhouse in the western door. They are followed by the healing clan, the mourning clan, then the immediate family. The pallbearers are last to leave, carrying the body to the gravesite.

At the grave the speaker will address the body after it is placed into the earth, the head to the east, the feet to the west so the spirit may begin its journey. The spirit is told all of which has happened to that time and that the body is returned to the embrace of the earth. The people are asked to walk in a counter clockwise direction around the grave and each one takes a handful of earth and places in on the grave. The people then return to a place where they take part in a communal meal with one plate set aside for the spirit. They are told that they are to resume their normal activities after the time of mourning (10 days) is over. In ten days at the dead feast all the goods of the deceased are given away to relatives and friends. Each person who took part in the funeral from speakers, pallbearers and grave preparers are given special gifts. At the dead feast food is set aside for the spirit and then taken to a remote place the morning after. In one year a final feast will be held and the rituals are complete.