Hello again all! Thank you to everyone who is continuing to support this story, whether by being a "silent reader" or a reviewing reader, and special thanks to EmoryRose who lets me talk out so many little details and plot details with her! This chapter focuses largely on the actual adoption of Ethan and Olivia and we also meet some historical figures in it as well. Enjoy! As always, notes and translations are at the bottom
Chapter 6-Tekariho:ken
"Turn around, Ethan." Ongewasgone gestured for him to turn around with his finger and he did so. Ethan's chest felt a bit tight as his heart beat anxiously. Today was the day that he and Olivia would officially be adopted by Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare and become Mohawks. He swallowed hard as he turned around, wishing desperately that the ceremony was already over. Or that it wasn't going to happen at all. But he didn't wish for that as much as he had prior to his failed attempt to run away from Canajoharie.
Last night, Tsiron:iare had presented both him and Olivia with new clothes and moccasins to wear for the ceremony after they had bathed in the kitchen. She said it was tradition to have the candidates for adoption dress in new clothing for the ceremony as a symbolic "re-birth" gesture. The clothing had been tied into bundles so Ethan hadn't been able to really look at it until now. Tsiron:iare had woken him and Olivia shortly after dawn and had them eat some breakfast before sending them upstairs again to dress. Ongewasgone had come into his bedroom and offered to help him dress, which Ethan was grateful for. While he was feeling more confident in his ability to dress himself in Mohawk style clothing, he had no idea what their ceremonial attire would be like. Fortunately, it proved to be much the same as their everyday clothes except that they were finer and more detailed. His shirt was a fine forest green cotton that was tied together at the waist with a dark blue silk sash edged with red ribbons. The same red ribbons adorned his deerskin leggings that were attached to a beaded belt while his breechclout was made of the same forest green cotton as his shirt. But there was also an extra panel made of bright red silk with an animal's head embroidered on it with green and blue glass beads. Ongewasgone had explained to him that this was a breechclout apron that was worn on special ocassions. The animal's head was a wolf's head which represented the clan that he was going to become a part of today.
Facing Ongewasgone again, he received a nod of approval and a smile. "You look fine, Ethan." Ongewasgone said. "As handsome as any boy in the Wolf Clan." "Thank you." Ethan said softly, feeling awkward. In a strange way, his clothes reminded him of home. They were made out of the same fine materials he had worn all his life in Boston. But they were so different at the same time. It was still hard to admit but Mohawk clothes were a lot more comfortable than English clothes.
"We should go now. It's almost time." Ongewasonge gestured to the door. He was already dressed in his own ceremonial clothes, which were similar to Ethan's except that his shirt was red and he also wore a red round cap that was adorned with beadwork and three upright feathers. His breechclout apron was decorated with a quillwork bear design which represented his own clan. At first Ethan hadn't understood why he and Olivia were going to be part of the Wolf Clan instead of the Bear Clan. He had thought that since Ongewasgone was to be their father then they would be part of his clan. Just like Olivia and I are Websters because Father was a Webster. He had asked Anen:taks about this and been told that the Mohawks belonged to their mother's families and clans not their father's. "Our mothers are sisters and belong to the Wolf Clan so I do too and so will you and Olivia." Anen:taks explained. He had thrown an arm around Ethan's shoulders, ruffling his hair a bit. "That would make us cousins by any standard but in our culture, we will also be considered brothers." Ethan didn't know what to think about that. He had always been the oldest in his family. But there was a tiny yet growing part of him that welcomed Anen:taks' playfulness with him and his willingness to answer any questions he had no matter what they were. He had introduced him to Ben, Gunter's younger brother, that was the same age as him. They were becoming friends and he was getting to know some of the other boys around his age.
"Riien'a?" Ethan looked up, startled. He hadn't realized that he had become lost in thought. Ongewasgone stood outside the open door. "Come on," he gestured, "it wouldn't do for you to be late." Ethan nodded and walked out of the room. His heart began to pound. He was about to be adopted. He was about to become an Indian…a Mohawk. He was about to have new parents and a new life. There's nothing I can do to stop it.
Ethan's heart was still pounding as he was led into the council house by Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare. It was the largest longhouse in the center of Canajoharie and was where important ceremonies as well as council meetings were held. Furs and wampum belts decorated the walls on the inside. Olivia clutched his hand, looking nervous and started whimpering as the sound of drumming filled the air. "It's all right, Livy." He whispered to her. She stopped whimpering but didn't let go of his hand. She was dressed in the same colors as him, with bright red broadcloth leggings and a green tunic overdress that had a wolf's head embroidered on the front like the one on his apron. Her hair had been braided and her ears were now pierced with silver earrings. It was still an adjustment seeing her in her new clothing but she was still properly covered. Looking around at the inside of the council house, he tried to remember what Tsiron:iare had said about the ceremony.
The council house was filled with people from the town, especially those from both the Wolf and Bear clans, representing both sets of parents. Some of them Ethan recognized like Anen:taks and his mother and father, or Ongewasgone's brother and sister, Ka'nikonhri: io and Iaonhawi:non, but there were many others that he didn't. Several men were beating the drums along the walls of the house, creating a low but steady rhythm. Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare led them directly into the center, where they positioned them to face all the people as much as possible. So far, everything is like she said.
Tsiron:iare moved to one side of Ethan, lightly touching his back. It was plain to see that her new son was nervous. He looked like a frightened deer ready to bolt. She hoped he would not. He's come so far in the last few weeks. But her worries were not enough to dampen her joy at what was about to happen. Soon, very soon now, she and Ongewasgone would have children of their own. A son and a daughter! How blessed we are. Still, she was aware that this moment would not have been possible for them without the great pain and loss that their children had known. Despite knowing almost nothing about their English parents, Tsiron:iare had wondered about them and what they would think of their children's new lives. It was very likely based on Ethan's first reactions to them that they would object and be angry about it or believe their children would be better off among other English people. But of course it was impossible to know for sure. Despite all the potential objections and differences, she hoped that they would know that their children would be cherished and loved.
Ethan's heart began to slow his pounding when he felt Tsiron:iare's touch on his back. She gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't be afraid." She whispered to him. He nodded, feeling grateful for the support. Tsiron:iare wasn't Mother but she was a kind woman.
One of the men from the Wolf Clan, Teha'ennatirontha, came forward towards them. He was one of Tsiron:iare's cousins, and had been chosen to lead the ceremony since Tsiron:iare had no brothers. The drums stopped when he stood in front of them and motioned for silence. "Here are Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare with their children. Tsiron:iare is of the Ohkwaho Clan, the Wolf Clan, and in keeping with our laws and customs, their children will also be part of the Wolf Clan." Heads nodded in agreement, and Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare each handed him a string of wampum beads as a record and pledge. Turning to Ethan, Teha'ennatirontha took his right hand and said "Your name is Tekariho:ken, 'Between Two Worlds' . Your name is Tekariho:ken, 'Between Two Worlds' ." After he had said this twice, he led him down the middle of the council house, singing loudly, "My head is firm, I am of the Rotinonsionni." Ethan didn't know what to think as the phrase was sung over and over again as he was led back and forth. Other voices joined in chanting "Hyneh, Hyneh, Hyneh, Hyneh" as Teha'ennatirontha continued singing. Louder and louder the voices seemed to grow. He had a new name. Tekariho:ken. Between Two Worlds. He was Mohawk now. Suddenly, the walls of the council house felt like they were closing in on him and the singing made his head hurt. He had to get out of there. He looked frantically towards the door as he was led again down the center of room, and caught Anen:taks looking at him. His eyes were kind, and he gave Ethan a little nod with a smile. Somehow seeing that made Ethan relax again. It will be all right.
The song came to an end and he was returned to the center of the room where Olivia and his new parents stood. Almost immediately, the same thing was done with Olivia with her receiving the name of Otsi'tsa'ko:wa or Sunflower. Ethan had to agree that it was a good fit for his little sister, her personality was so bright and hopeful. She didn't seem afraid as she was marched up and down the council house floor and even looked like she was enjoying being the center of attention. But she took his hand as soon as they were back together.
Having finished with the naming ritual, Teha'ennatirontha turned to the people again. "Now you of our nation, be informed that Tekariho:kenand Otsi'tsa'ko:wa have ceased forever to bear their birth nation's name and have buried it in the depths of the earth. Henceforth let no one of our nation ever mention the original name or nation of their birth. To do so will be to hasten the end of our peace." Having made this statement, the ceremony was over and everyone came forward to welcome the newest members of the Mohawk nation. It was a blur for Ethan. Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare embraced both of them tightly, smiling broadly. Anen:taks came and clapped Ethan on the shoulder, giving him a warm smile. "Welcome, kia:se. Cousin." So many others came forward as well, offering their good wishes and welcomes. After what felt like an eternity, Ethan and Olivia were led out of the council house by Ongewasgone and Tsiron:iare. "Now we feast and celebrate." Ongewasgone told them, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at them proudly. "Riien'a. Kheien:a." Ethan just nodded, still feeling a little overwhelmed at what had occurred. The ceremony had been much easier than he had thought it would be overall though. It's over now. Everyone seemed to want us here. Maybe it will be all right.
"So you are Mohawk now. What does it feel like?" Ben asked from around a mouthful of freshly roasted corn. He and Ethan sat together, munching on roasted corn ears while waiting for the main feast to start. As part of the Ripe Corn Festival, also known as the Green Corn Festival, both the Palatines and the Mohawks joined together to celebrate the harvest. It was a time for celebration and also for other additional ceremonies as needed such as naming ceremonies, or in the case of Ethan and Olivia, adoptions.
Ethan shrugged. "I don't really feel different." Not yet, anyway. He looked over the center of the village, where he could see Ongewasgone standing with a group of Mohawk and Palatine men and Tsiron:iare was helping drizzle maple syrup over some of the loaves of white bread that the Palatine women had brought to the feast. Olivia played with some of the girls her age nearby, including her special friend Otsha:ta. Everyone was happy to be together, celebrating the good harvest that they had brought in. In a way, it reminded Ethan of times when Father and Mother had held parties in their house in Boston.
"Here's someone coming that you haven't met yet. One of your new relatives. He's a few years older than us, but still hangs out with us sometimes." Ethan turned his head in the direction that Ben pointed at, where Anen:taks and Gunter were coming with someone he didn't recognize. He was an older boy but not as old as Anen:taks and Gunter. But he was old enough to have his hair done in the roach style, worn by most young Mohawk men once they came of an age to be considered warriors. Anen:taks had explained that to him. He seemed tall for his age and carried himself well. Ben and Ethan rose to greet them as they drew closer.
"This is our new clan brother and cousin, Tekariho:ken also known as Ethan." Anen:taks introduced him. "Tekariho:ken, this is Thayendanegea also knownas Joseph Brant. He is one of our cousins." Thayendanegea clasped Ethan's hand in welcome. "Wa'tkwanonhwera:ton', ri'ken:a'. Welcome, my younger brother." "Nia:wen, rakhtsi:a. Thank you, my older brother." Ethan said, stumbling only a little over the Mohawk words. Anen:taks had been helping him learn proper greetings and responses for the past few weeks but he still he had trouble remembering what to say and how to say it. It must've been good enough though because Thayendanegea smiled and nodded in return. "I have a gift for you." He said. "On behalf of my mother and our family to welcome you to our clan and our people." He held out an iron tomahawk with a finely carved wooden shaft. "May you learn to use it well." "Nia:wen." Ethan said, surprised but pleased at the gift. Other people had come by and given him gifts, but he hadn't received a tomahawk yet. Mohawk men and older boys carried them at their waists but he hadn't thought he would have one of his own. He had learned that they were part of being a warrior and one was expected to be able to use it with deadly accuracy.
"Come on," Anen:taks said, "Looks like the feast is ready." As the group made their way over to where the food was being served, Olivia came over to Ethan with a young woman at her side. She introduced herself as Degonwadonti, also known as Mary or Molly among the English as she put it and Thayendanegea's older sister. "She gave me this!" Olivia excitedly held up a small pearl bracelet. Everyone laughed at her enthusiasm. "Come, khe'ken:'a." Degonwadonti put an arm around her shoulders. "We must help with the food. I will show you who makes the best of everything." As everyone began to settle down to the feast, Ethan slowly felt himself begin to relax a bit more. I think we might be all right after all.
Riien'a: my son
Teha'ennatirontha: He is an Archer.
Ohkwaho: Wolf
Rotinonsionni: Mohawk word for the Iroquois Confederacy.
kia:se: cousin
Kheien:a: my daughter
Thayendanegea: He places two bets together; Mohawk name of Joseph Brant
Wa'tkwanonhwera:ton': welcome
ri'ken:a': my younger brother
Nia:wen: Thank you
rakhtsi:a: my older brother
Degonwadonti: Two Against One; Mohawk name of Molly Brant
khe'ken:'a: my younger sister
This chapter came together with a lot of research and brainstorming that I have been doing to try and present Mohawk, Iroquois and Palatine/other European cultures in this time period as accurately as possible as well as other parts of the story. Part of what I hope to do is show the differences in the cultures both native and European alike (e.g. how the Mohawk differed from the Mohican and vice versa or how the French will differ from the English) but I also want to create a hopefully realistic atmosphere. Of course, there are places where I've had to take (and/or yes, wanted to )creative license (and I do see that as one of the great joys of historical fiction especially fan fiction!).
The adoption ceremony of Ethan and Olivia is based largely upon the information laid out in the Constitution of the Iroquois Nations regarding adoptions, including much of the actual language. The ending speech from it is a direct quote from that, as is the song and chanting as they are given their new names (although this is taken from the naming ceremony but is also part of the adoption ceremony). Unfortunately, I am not sure what "Hyneh, Hyneh, Hyneh" translates to in English-only that it is the traditional chant sung by the father's side of the family (in this case, the Bear Clan) during a naming ceremony. Traditionally, the role of the singer who takes the candidate or baby (in the case of those born Mohawks) and leads them up and down was filled by the maternal uncle however since Tsiron:iare has no brothers, one of her cousins took the role. In regards to the names I chose, I tried to avoid using actual Mohawk names unless I knew they were historical since Mohawk names are meant to be unique and used by one individual at a time. All new names in this chapter except those of Joseph and Molly Brant (which were their real Mohawk names) were taken from the Mohawk dictionary.
Speaking of historical figures, I know in the movie that it says Chief Joseph Brant had a five-mile long field but in reality he was only a teenager at the time (about fourteen years old in 1757 so he is fifteen in this story and that is the age in which Mohawk boys were considered warriors but certainly not chiefs). His sister, Mary or Molly Brant, was in her early twenties at the time and was later the common-law-wife of Sir William Johnson beginning in 1759. However since they both lived in Canajoharie at this time I thought it was very likely that they would meet Ethan and Olivia at some point and when I found out through research that they were members of the Wolf Clan, the same clan that Ethan and Olivia now belong to, the likelihood increased. We'll be seeing more of them throughout this story (and it could become interesting later on with other characters seeing as how Joseph Brant and the Mohawks historically sided with the British during the American Revolution-but we'll see)! As for the Palatines, they did spend a lot of time with their Mohawk landlords (as mentioned previously) and some Palatines even learned to perform the condolence rituals which were considered to be one of the most important ceremonies among the Iroquois so it's likely that they would've made an appearance as guests at the Ripe Corn Festival.
Up next, we're going to see how this story first interacts with FAWH when two of our favorite family members come by for a visit. Stay tuned!