Search just our sites by using our customised search engine

Unique Cottages | Electric Scotland's Classified Directory

Click here to get a Printer Friendly PageSmiley

Native Indian Lore
Man-Chu, Thing-gay
Ponca Concept of God [L-S-1]


Man-Chu, Thing-gayMan-Chu-Thing-Gay was a boy who was mostly grown in his physical self. He stumbled over camp fires, tormented the children, rode the horses with wild abandon, or generally was ill fitted to his surroundings, and his behavior was being noted by the elders. Even his name, "Man-Chu-Thing Gay," meaning, "there is no bear," was child like and needed to be replaced. The name he received when he was a child as he laughed at a camp dog who attacked his mocassin with the same fervor of a small cub. His statement, "Man-Chu, Thing-gay" caused laughter among his folks because roughly translated he meant, "This little dog is no bear."

"He has no knowledge of Wah-Kahn-Dah."

"I know." "The time for his meeting Great Spirit is necessary."

With these short acknowledgments Man-Chu-Thing-Gay was called before counsel.

"You have come to the place where you must have an eagle feather for the ceremony."

Here it was, straight forward, no hidden innuendoes, a statement made directly to him. There was no side stepping or gentle or harsh persuasive measures taken. As was their culture, so was their reasoning, not wasteful. A pointed statement was made. Since he was raised with this same communication it was easy for him to understand.

Toward the mountain Man-Chu-Thing-Gay walked for it was there the eagles nested. This was a different world. Here he was alone, totally alone. For the first time in his life he felt the enormity of his environment. The space around him was massive. Giant clouds drifted across unbelievably wide skies he must not have seen before. All at once he was vividly aware of his insignificance.

When he lifted his eyes to the heavens the things his family spoke of as to Wah-Kahn-Dah was brought back to him. They told him Wah-Kahn-Dah was not to be looked upon but, with a person, if one needed his presence. Wah-Kahn-Dah would not make an appearance visually but, one's mind would be aware. Somehow, he felt this. There seemed to be something he could not describe here among what otherwise could have been only empty spaces.

As if the time of his being baptized like the Christian's a rain storm came upon him. The whipping of the water against his unprotected face and body slapped at him, true and real. Where was the protection of his family's tee-pee? The rain was cold and unpleasant. For the first time he had a respect for the people who had been around him providing a unit and a shelter. If his own decision has not been made, indeed, he would have turned back. "No," he spoke aloud. "No!" "Great Spirit, he called God's name, Wah-Kahn-Dah," I have made an agreement." "I will honor my commitment." After all there was really no great danger. There were no wild animals upon him, or any enemies of his tribe about. He decided his enemies were of his own mind and it was then he approached Wah-Kahn-Dah. "Give me your guidance, please, Great One." "Creator of these mighty windstorms and massive mountains." Within moments his mind came to peace. Reasoning returned to him and he slipped easily under a ledge hanging there as if by arrangement for his protection until the storm passed over.

When the young man returned to his camp with the eagle's feather carefully concealed in a wrapping of leather it was a new person to greet the elders. He told them of how he had actually climbed to the high place where the eagle nested plucking the feather from the tail itself. He spoke of how he was away quickly, with no time lost in avoiding the sharp talons of the bird. The decaying flesh under its nails would have made a deadly wound upon the boy the same as injecting possible death. He spoke with renewed confidence as to how Wah-Kah-Dah had come to his mind with a deep understanding when he was in the wind storm.

The elders were themselves pleased. "Today, our boy has become a man. No longer will he be called Man-Chu-Thing-Gay. Rather, his name will be only Man-Chu, or "One Who Stands Up." Some day those of another time will not know our ways, but they will be taught, and you will be known then as, "Standing Bear."


 Return to Native Indian Lore


 


This comment system requires you to be logged in through either a Disqus account or an account you already have with Google, Twitter, Facebook or Yahoo. In the event you don't have an account with any of these companies then you can create an account with Disqus. All comments are moderated so they won't display until the moderator has approved your comment.

comments powered by Disqus

Quantcast