It has always been our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way it will in tine disturb the spiritual balance for which we all strive.

     Therefore we must early learn the beauty of generosity. As children we are taught to give what we prize the most, that we may taste the happiness of giving; at an early age we are made the family giver of alms. If a child is inclined to be grasping, or to cling too strongly to possessions, legends are related that tell of the contempt and disgrace falling on those who are ungenerous and mean.

     Public giving is a part of every important ceremony. It properly belongs to the celebration of birth, marriage, and death, and is observed whenever it is desired to do special honor to any person or event.

     Upon such occasions it is common to literally give away all that one has to relitives, to guests of another tribe or clan, but above all to the poor and the aged, from whom we can hope for no return.

     Finally, the gift to the Great Mystery, the religious offering, may be of little value in itself, but to the giver's own thought it should carry the meaning and reward of true sacrifice.

 

 

 

     No one who is at all acquainted with us in our homes can deny that we Indians are a polite people.

     There are times when we indulge in boisterous mirth - indeed, I have often spent an entire evening at an Indian fireside laughing until I could laugh no more - but the general rule of behavior is gravity and decorum. The enforced intimacy of living in close quarters would soon become intolerable were it not for these instinctive reserves and delicacies; this unfailing respect for the established place and possessions of every other member of the family circle; this habitual quiet, order, and decorum.

     Only the aged, who have journeyed far, are in a manner exempt from ordinary rules. Advancing years have earned them freedom, not only from the burden of laborious and dangerous tasks, but from those restrictions of custom and etiquette that are religiously observed by all others.

     The old men and women are privileged to say what they please and how they please, without contradiction, while the hardships and bodily infirmities that of necessity fall to their lot are softened so far as may be by universal consideration and attention.

     But for the rest of us, a soft, low voice has always been considered an excellent thing, in a man as well as in a woman. Even the warrior who inspired the greatest terror in the hearts of his enemies was, as a rule, a man of the most exemplary gentleness, and almost feminine refinement, amoung his family and friends. And though we are capable of strong and durable feeling, we are not demonstrative in our affection at any time, especially in the presence of guests or strangers.

     It is a rule of the Indian home that the grandfather is master of ceremonies at all times. He is spokesman for the family if a stranger enters. If he is absent, the father or husband speaks; all others may only smile in greeting. If both men are absent, the grandmother is spokeswoman; if she is away, the mother or wife speaks, with as much dignity as modesty. If no older person is at home, the eldest son or daughter greets the guest, but if they have no brother to speak for them, and an entire stranger enters, the girls may properly observe silence. The stranger should explain the reason for the intrusion.

     In the presence of a guest, promiscuous laughing or a careless attitude are not permitted. Rigid decorum and respectful silence are observed, and if any children are present, they must not stare at the stranger. All noisy play and merriment must be kept within familiar family circles, except on the occassion of certain games and dances.

     The serving of food is always orderly and polite. Guests are offered food at whatever hour of the day they may appear. The mother of the family serves first the guest, if any, then her father, her husband, her mother, the childrenin order of age, and, herself last of all. Each person returns the empty dish to her with approprite words of thanks.

     Simple as they seem, these rules and conventions have stood the test of time and are universally respected. In such ways is the natural life of the Indian saved from rudeness and disorder.

 

 

 

     In the woman is vested the standard of morals of our people. She is the silent but telling power behind all of life's activities.

     She rules undisputed in her own domain. The children belong to her clan, not to the clan of the father. She holds all the family property, and the honor of the house is in her hands. All virtue is entrusted to her, and her position is recognized by all.

     Possessed of true feminine dignity and modesty, she is expected to be the equal of her mate in physical endurance and skill, and to share equally in the arduous duties of daily life, But she is expected to be superior in spiritual insight.

     She is the spiritual teacher of the child, as well as its tender nurse, and she brings its developing soul before the Great Mystery as soon as she is aware of its coming. It is her responsibility to endow her child with nature's gifts and powers, for we believe that from the moment of conception to the end of the second year; it is her spiritual influence that counts for most.

     There is nothing artifical about her person, and very little insincerity in her character. Her early and consistent training, the definiteness of her vovation, and, above all, her profoundly religious attitude gives her a strength and poise that cannot be overcome by ordinary misfortune.

     It is my belief that no woman of any race has ever come closer to universal motherhood. She is, in fact, the moral salvation of our people.