But this gratitude can be expressed by words as well as by deeds, and prayers must precede, accompany, or follow the offering.

In front of the altar a row of bunches artistically composed of snow-white down are placed on the floor.

Each of these delicate fabrics has sacred meal scattered about its base, and each of them symbolizes the soul of one household.

They are what the Queres Indian calls the _yaya_, or mother, dedicated to the moon-mother, who specially protects every Indian home.

All these stand below the altar in token of the many prayers that each household sends up to the moon, painted above, that the mother of all, who dwells in the silvery orb, may thank her husband in the sun for all the good received, and implore him to further shed his blessings on their children.