... This is the second
part of a four part series of the Maidu people.
This celebration happens
in June. The Maidu celebrate the Spring ( Yo-meni ), with their
protector, Pono ( the Grizzly Bear ), on the 3rd day. This is when
the dancers that you see at the bottom, stand aside and the Grizzly Bear
Dances.
An Elder wears the bear
skin and dances around the sacred fire. He is holding a Eagle Wing
fan with the Maidu traditional vine design in the bead work on the
handle. During that time, little children come out and hit him
with sticks, but not to harm him. After this, he goes to the river
or lake and purifies himself by washing off in the water.
Acorns have been leaching
for three days to get the bitterness out of them so it will be ready on
the last day for consumption. I have watched these women and the
Acorn must be pretty bitter because none of them really wanted to test
to see if the bitterness was gone yet. On this day, the Acorn mush that
a certain group of women have been preparing, is served to all after the
bear dances.
There are three women
dancers on each side of these men, that dance in place. They have
belts with shells that they run together, making a soft "schuss" sound.
With a one hand drum, and a signer that sings the songs, along with the
reed and Eagle bone whistles that men blow depending on what dance they
do. It is an amazing thing to experience under the big Sugar Pines
of Northern California.
The men are dressed in
hide and Eagle feathers and Red Tailed Hawk feather skirts, with
headdresses of Flicker feathers, in their hair. Along with the
headdress, are ceremonial hair ornaments of Stripped red-shafted-Flicker
feathers, Acorns-woodpecker scalp feathers, valley quail topknot
feathers abalone shell, glass beads, on an oak pin, held together by
iron wire and cotton string.
Around their necks, hang
large slices of Walrus Tusk and large pieces of abalone, along with the
whistles. What helps to hold this on is a coven cap placed on the
head. No one else dances. You enjoy the dancers, dancing
around the sacred fire, and play along with your wood clapper.
Not only do the Maidu
enjoy this time, but the Yurok, Miwok, Karok, among others, enjoy this
time together. It is a big family affair with singing feasting and grass
gaming, along with the spiritual aspect.
If you ever attend one of
these, no pictures are allowed or playing of music at night. The
elders believe that the music entices spirits to come out at night. The
fire is a sacred thing even at your camp site and you do not burn
garbage in it. Respect their wishes and just have an enjoyable
time. Also like a Pow-wow or Big-time, no alcohol or drugs are
allowed.
This Weda was on Lasson
Mountain, a sacred place for the Maidu.
