This is the time of the year when the weather starts getting a little colder, days are a little shorter, and the leaves begin to change to a beautiful arrangement of fall colors. For the Oneida people, it is the time to harvest the crops that were tended all summer.
Three Sisters, corn, beans, squash. Photo Credit: Unknown
At this time of the year the Oneida community has an annual Husking Bee and Harvest Fest. This is a time for people to learn about the science behind the Three Sisters Garden and have some fun doing it. This celebration will recognize and give thanks for the harvest. Harvesting and braiding our Oneida white corn is a highlight of the event. There will be music, and demonstrations and Vendors from the Oneida Farmers’ Market, prepared foods and other cultural events. This event is open to the public.
From the time in Spring when we plant our Three Sister Gardens, through green corn season, and to the time we harvest we are thankful for the sustenance that mother earth provides for the people. We show our appreciation to all the natural beings that make this process happen when we hold annual ceremonies to give our thanks.
TWAKHWALÓ·LOKS (HARVEST THANKSGIVING) is the way the Oneida people have giving thanks for the annual harvest for centuries. The Harvest Thanksgiving ceremony takes place at the Oneida longhouse and lasts for at least three days. It is done to give thanks to all that has provided us with a bountiful harvest and growing season. The three days are filled with our ancient stories, songs, dances, and prayer.
The first day is dedicated to the dancing OHSTOWAKÓ·WA (Great Feather Dance) three times. The first one is for all of the title holders, the second is for the people, and the third is for the Creator. The second day is when Tobacco Thanksgiving Ceremony happens. Then the Men’s Song Ceremony is opened, our Oneida names are put through, Friendship Medicine Society Ceremony can be done, and Faithkeepers can be raised up (appointed) at this time.
The third day the Peach Stone Game is played with the Bear Clan and the Turtle Clan against the Wolf Clan. Peach stone is a betting game where items like; wampum, turtle rattles, lacrosse sticks, or traditional clothing are wagered on the outcome of the game. Visit the Tsiˀ niyukwalihotʌ – Our Ways section of our website to learn more.
Harvest season is a wonderful time in the Oneida community and it is a time when we can all practice a good mind, a good heart, and a strong fire.
