[Indian Games and Dances with Native Songs by Alice C. Fletcher]@TWC D-Link book
Indian Games and Dances with Native Songs

INTRODUCTION
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The first gives briefly the institution of the rite of changing one's name in consequence of a new achievement; the second shows how the man was enabled to accomplish this act.

It begins with his lonely vigil and fast when he cried to the powers for help; the scene then shifts to the circle of the lesser powers, who, in council, deliberate on his petition which makes its way to them and finally wins their consent; then the winds summon the messengers and these, gathering at the command of the lesser powers, are sent to earth to the man crying in lonely places, to grant him his desire.

This part closes with a few vivid words which set forth that only by the favor of the powers had the man been able to do the deed.

The third part deals with the man's names--the one to be discarded and the one now to be assumed.

The ritual is in rhythmic form, impossible to reproduce in English.


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