MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY TIPI TO YOURS

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

A'HO

The Handsome Fellow A number of different cultures have a friendly figure who treats children to candy and gifts during Christmas. For many Native Americans, this gentleman is known as The Handsome Fellow. Legend refers to a Creek leader named Chief Hobbythacco, which translates in English as "handsome fellow". According to tradition, chiefs were given gifts throughout the year, especially during summer months, and the chiefs would then share their bounty with tribal members. Some Native Americans encourage children to believe The Handsome Fellow is responsible for leaving presents on Christmas Day while others believe Santa comes to visit.

The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice has been a reverent period since ancient eras. For indigenous peoples all over the world, it's a time to offer gratitude, honor family and ancestors, and follow a ritual observance of beliefs. The fact that theological historians also place significance on this same time period makes the Winter Solstice a vital component to holiday celebrations. A few days before the Solstice, members of some tribes make prayer sticks in honor of an ancestor or native deity. They plant the sticks during a ceremony on the Solstice.

• In the United States, Winter Solstice festivities occur on December 21 or 22, depending on the year. Tribes may host dances, bonfires at sunset, festivals, and educational programs. If you'd like to see a Native American Solstice observance, consider the following:

  • Winter Solstice Walks, Spiro OK: Home to the Spiro Mounds, a prehistoric Native American archaeological site. Learn more about the walk and educational presentation.
  • The Hopi Soyaluna Ceremony is performed in various locations. The Hopis believe that on the shortest day of the year, God travels far away from the earth. The Soyaluna ceremony, also known as the Prayer Offering Ceremony, is designed to entice Him to return with ritual dance, music, and gift-giving.

  • The Blackfeet spend the Winter Solstice playing games and holding community dances. Each community has their own songs, dancing styles and types of drumming that makes them unique and different.MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY TRAILS FRIEND