Spilyay tymoo., April 17, 1981, Page 3, Image 3

Spilyay Tymoo
April 17,1981 Page 3
Root Feast means giving thanks
A special cap (patl’ap’a) made from corn husks or A fter the table is completely set . everyone stands to sing a song. Drinking sacred
squaw grass is worn during R o o t Feast.
water follows the song and then fo o d is eaten in a particular order.
The Root Feast is part of the tradition of what is called
the first fruits ceremonies. It is held in the spring of the year
as soon as the roots are ripe or mature. There are three roots
that are dug; lulcs, xa’us, and piaxi’.
Part o f the Root Feast ceremony is held in the field where
the roots are dug and the remainder of the ceremony is held,
at the Warm Springs and Simnasho Longhouses.
The Root Feast is basically a feast of thanksgiving for the
roots. Traditionally roots are not supposed to be dug and
fctien until the ceremonies of Root Feast are performed. If
p b p e r ceremonies are performed the roots will be plentiful
in years to follow. .
The Great Spirit gave the food to the people to live on.
The people didn’t have to plant it, cultivate it, or water it.
That is why they thank Him with their prayers. The food
which the Creator gave the people must be handled with
love and kindness in one’s heart.
Children receive practice and instruction in ceremonies by helping.
Spilyay Tymoo photos by Shewczyk
A person must have only good and kind thoughts in his
or her heart when handling the food.