Wyandot (Huron) Legend- Why the Leaves Have Many Colors in Autumn

Wyandot (Huron) Legend- Why the Leaves Have Many Colors in Autumn

(North American Folktale) 

Long time ago in North America (well before the human settlements) in the animal kingdom they talked and worked much like men. Every year after midsummer they held a great council at which all the species were obligatorily present. It so happened that the summer before the council met, in the casual gathering of the animals many had shared their deep curiosity about the vast sky overhead and the subsequent secret desire to go to the land of the sky and see what the country up there was like. None however could find a way to get there. The oldest and the wisest creature on earth back then was the Turtle. He too shared their desire and so he prayed long and hard to the Thunder God to show him the way. The Thunder God was appeased by his due diligence and so granted the Turtle his wish.

There was great clamor as though the earth had been split asunder, and when the other animals next looked for the Turtle, he was nowhere to be found. They searched everywhere without success. However that evening when they looked upwards, they saw him in the sky, moving about like a big black cloud. 

The turtle liked the sky so well that he decided to live there permanently and later send his descendants, to the earth. He approached the sky people with this request and his wish was once more granted.

“But where do you wish to dwell?” They asked him and his answer was, “I should like to dwell in the Black Cloud, wherein are the ponds and streams and lakes and springs of water, for I always loved being near these places when I was young.” He was permitted to have this wish also and so he resided there happily.

Then came the time of harvest-moon where all the animals met on earth at the Great Council meeting. He’d always been present at the Council meeting, and so would not dream of missing it. He did arrive in the Black Cloud but went back to the sky after the Council meeting concluded. His good fortune gave rise to certain resentment and envy from the rest who all wished that they could go with him. In time it fostered certain anger and animosity, particularly in the wake of the rumor that a new race of creatures was coming from far over the ocean to inhabit their earthly domain. They discussed their options and expressed view that it would be fortunate indeed if they too could all go and reside in the sky with the old Turtle, live like him, free from fear and care and this impending trouble. The Turtle however had never divulged the secret and they were at a loss as to how to get there.

It so happened that one day the inquisitive Deer, wandering about alone in the forest, as was his custom, came across Rainbow, who typically built a path of many colors to the sky. 

Addressing the Rainbow the Dear asked, "Carry me up to the sky, for I want to see Turtle."

However the Rainbow appeared reticent and put Deer off, wishing first to ask the Thunder God for his permission. "Come to me in winter, when I stay for a time on the mountain near the lake.” He nevertheless responded amicably, in effort to buy time. “Then I will gladly carry you to the place where Turtle dwells."

Throughout the long winter months Deer looked up to the sky, his eyes longingly searching for any sign of the Rainbow, but Rainbow did not manifest. 

Meanwhile life was becoming increasingly difficult on the earth, and all the animals existed in anticipated terror of the new race that was soon to invade their land. The Deer kept mostly to himself, timid and impatient. Then finally, one day in the early summer, Rainbow manifested and the elated Deer hastened to greet him. "Why were you false to me?" he irately asked; "I waited and waited for you all winter long on the mountain by the lake, but you failed to keep your promise. I want to go to the sky now and without delay, for I must see Turtle."

"To my dismay, I cannot take you now. But soon, when there is a Fog over the lake, I shall come back to drive it away. Come to me then, and I shall take you to the sky and to the place where Turtle dwells. This time, I promise, I shall keep my word." Rainbow apologetically answered.

Shortly after the Rainbow consulted the Thunder God, and received permission to do as Deer wished.

Seeing that the Fog one day rolled in a thick bank across the lake, the anxious Deer hastened to the spot to wait for the Rainbow. 

Sure enough, Rainbow manifested as promised this time and begun driving the Fog away. Rainbow threw his arch of many colors from the lake to the blue hills far away, and the Fog at once disappeared from the place. Then he said to Deer, who stood patiently watching him, "Now I will keep my promise. Follow my many-colored path over the hills and the forests and the streams, and be not afraid, and you will soon reach Turtle's home in the sky." Deer joyfully did as he was told, and soon he reached the sky. 

 

Turtle was pleased to see him, and Deer liked the sky country so well that he too decided to stay there ever more. Subsequently the Dear roamed over the sky, going here, there and everywhere, all the while moving like the wind from place to place. 

Seasons on Earth do change and when the midsummer had passed and the harvest-moon had come and the Great Council again met together, Deer’s first time ever absence came to light. The animals in disbelief at first had waited long for him to appear, for his advice was invaluable and well sought after. After a time when he still failed to show up, they sent the Birds out to find him. Black Hawk and Woodpecker and Blue jay all sought him in the forest, but they could not find any trace of him. 

 

Then Wolf and Fox scoured the woods far and near, but they too came back empty handed.

At last Turtle arrived at the meeting of the Great Council, as was his custom, coming in his Black Cloud, in which were the ponds and lakes and streams and springs of water. He was at once accosted by the indignant Bear who said, "Deer is absent from the Council meeting. Where is Deer? We cannot meet without him, for we need his advice."

“Oh that!” The Turtle replied, "Deer has been residing in the sky. Have you not heard? Rainbow made a wonderful pathway for him of many varied colors, and by that he came to the sky. He’s late but there he is now," and he pointed to a golden cloud scurrying across the sky overhead.

There was a disgruntled murmur among the gathered crowd. Understanding their displeasure, the Turtle advised that all the animals should all go to the sky to live until they could be sure that the new race of creatures would bring them no harm. Having previously obtained Thunder God’s permission, for he anticipated this requisite, he then showed the animals the secret pathway that Rainbow had made, stretching from the earth in wonderful colors. The animals all agreed at the Great Council to take Turtle's advice. But they harbored a deep seated anger at the Deer’s selfishness and for leaving them without warning. For it was, a given concept that all the animals should either stay together faithfully, whether it be on the earth or more recently, go all together to reside in the sky.

Bear showed the greatest antagonism and annoyance. Because of his great strength, he had no fear of the new race that was said soon to be coming, and he had always been inclined to look down with scorn on Deer and his annoyingly timid and impatient, faulty traits that were now further crowned with selfishness and disloyalty.

"Deer has forsaken us," he said irately; "he deserted us in the hour of our grave danger, and that is contrary to our code of honor and forest laws that ensure everyone a stable and peaceful coexistence." The Bear then turning away grumbled under his breath, “Oh but I will not let him get away with it. I shall punish him and punish him good, for this outrage when the time comes." 

All the animals had agreed upon a suitable time, at late autumn, for their departure of earth. When the time for departure came, the Rainbow once more made his bright path to provide for the transport to the sky. Bear was the first to go up, one because he was the leader and two, because he needed to test the durability of the bridge of burning colors to ensure the safety of the rest of the animals. When he had almost reached the sky, he met Deer on the other end of the path waiting to welcome the animals to their new home.

His smug, seemingly sincere welcome infuriated the Bear and old wounds rehashed, he growled at the Deer in unrestrained fury: "Stand aside and let me pass….You have the gall to be so smug…welcoming visitors as though to your own home. You have forfeited that right when you left us behind, without warning for the land of the Turtle and when you deserted the Great Council! Why did you not wait until all could come together? Your selfishness bespeaks falsity to our faith and for that you will always be viewed as the traitor that you are! " 

Deer had grown very proud since he had gone to live in the sky, and he was no longer timid as he had once been on earth. The Bear’s haughty manner of address infuriated him to the boiling point. "Who are you to doubt me or my faith?” He barked at the Bear. “None but the Wolf may ask me why I came or question my fidelity. I will kill you for your insolence." In his fury the Deer’s eyes flashed as if a fire burned in them. He tossed his head to show his long sharp horns. The hair along his back stood up. Next instant he’d arched his neck and lowered his antlered head as he rushed madly at the Bear to slay him by pushing him from the path.

But Bear was not afraid, for he had often tested his strength with Deer upon the earth. He only glanced momentarily at his claws that were deadly, before he let out an impressive growl that shook the sky like rolling thunder. After which he’d charged in deadly retaliation. They came together with a shock. The long battle was fierce, all the while the bridge of burning colours trembled and the heavens shook from the force of the conflict. The animals waiting by the lake at the end of the path looked up and saw the battle above them. They feared for the result, for they wanted neither Bear nor Deer to perish. So they sent Wolf up to the sky to intercede and to put an end to this deadly contest. 

When Wolf reached the combatants, Bear was bleeding profusely, for Deer with his antlers had pierced his neck and side. Deer, too, was bleeding copiously where Bear's lethal claws had torn a great big gash in his head.

Back then all the animals had to obey the Wolf and Wolf soon put a stop to this horrific battle. 

The gravely injured pair begrudgingly withdrew from the combat zone and ran away, presumably to dress their wounds.

Now as the Bear and the Deer had ran away, the Blood cascaded from them and fell on earth. It fell freely upon the leaves of the trees beneath them, and changed them into varied colors: some became Red, some Yellow; some were Brown, some Scarlet, and some Crimson. 

And from that time on every year when autumn comes in the North Country the forests transform with splendor of soft and glowing beauty for the leaves take on these multitudes of bright and wondrous colors given to them by the blood of Bear and Deer when they fought on the Rainbow path eons ago. 

In case you are wondering, the other animals did also go up to the sky over Rainbow's flaming path. Seeing how wonderful it was, they all decided to live in the sky and to send their descendants back to earth when the new race of creatures came. To date, they can still at times be seen, like clouds scurrying across the sky, in the shape they had on earth.

Unfortunately the Bear and Deer never resolved their differences. Their animosity, passed onto their decedents, persisted to date, forcing them to dwell apart. 

What’s more the changing of the colors are attributed by the Wyandots, to the continued hostility between ardent foes, deeming it to be the fresh blood from the incurred injuries of the Bear and the Deer cascading down from the sky upon the trees on Earth.

The End.

Omens of Insects and Other Cold Blooded Creatures

Omens of Insects and Other Cold Blooded Creatures

Belief in supernatural or omens is subjective. For fun sake however on this Friday 13, I’ve explored some of the omens regarding our encounters with certain insects and other cold blooded creatures.

Ant- To be bitten by an ant foreshadows enmity and quarreling. If ants make their nest near your threshold prosperity is indicated. 

Bee- If bee flies into the house it is thought to bring luck to the inmates of a house particularly if it is detained for a short time. In some regions fisherman believe that the sight of a bee will bring them a good catch if it is flying in the same direction, as their boat is moving. Meanwhile, to kill or dispose of a bee presages bad luck.

Strangely enough, in ancient times the Romans considered seeing a swarm of bees, especially prior to a battle, to be a very ill omen. The calamitous defeat of the army of Pompey by Caesar at Pharsalus in 48 B.C. was foretold by a swarm of bees which settled upon the sacred altar.

Beetle- Ever since ancient Egypt, the scarab has enjoyed divine honours and along with them other beetles as well had been attributed with omens of fortunate significance. If a beetle runs across your path when you are on a country walk, regard it as a very lucky omen and the bigger the beetle, the greater the good fortune that it portends. It must be understood, however, that we are not referring here to the common black-beetle, or cockroach, which has a very different significance.

Butterfly- Who doesn’t love a colourful butterfly? For they stand for beauty and metamorphosis. As far as omens are concerned, a butterfly denotes renewal and rejuvenation, the ability to bounce back from setbacks or disappointments, a transformation of spirituality. It also symbolizes the human soul.

In Japan, the butterfly symbolizes young womanhood. To see two butterflies dancing about one another, it portends marital happiness. In China, the butterfly symbolizes long life and beauty.

Cockroach- Back in olden days the presence of this contemptible pest in a place where it was not generally seen held to presage illness or even death.

Cricket- In contrast to the Cockroach, a Cricket is always been greeted with happy acceptance in all parts of the world for these delightful little critters have always been regarded as omens of luck. What’s more they betoken peace, prosperity and domestic felicity. If crickets mysteriously abandon a house which they have inhabited for a long time however, illness or death is to be feared.

Cicada- (The tree cricket.) The sound denotes 'elevated' poetry, immortality or life after death. A stylized cicada form represents "loyalty to one's principles.

Fish- To see a large fish swimming by itself in the water promises a life of happiness and general prosperity. Fish also denotes spiritual aspects or people in one's life, and spiritual achievements. Fishing represents the spiritual purposes of life and man's search for the higher consciousness. It also represents fertility and the life giving principles of the maternal. To catch a fish suggests growth of the divine self. To catch an ugly fish may imply spiritual weakness. To have an ugly fish appear denotes seeing spiritual weakness in a situation. To see a frozen fish denotes that one's spiritual life is frozen and not used as it should be. To see beautiful multicolored fish represents the joy and peace in one's spiritual life. Saving a fishes life represents the need to save those principles in oneself. In China, the fish represents happiness and plenty. It also stands for courage, strength, and endurance.

Fly- Swarms of flies are usually considered as harbingers of disaster. A fly denotes an irritation in a life situation. To swat the flies therefore, indicate needing to kill or stop the negative irritations.

It’s interesting to note that in most cultures the invincible swarms of flies are considered the embodiment of demonic powers. Particularly in Christianity, Flies are considered predominantly as symbols of satanic beings.

Frog- The frog denotes an impaired mental or physical condition. Again in most Christian societies the frog is considered as symbol of impurity, a plague upon one's house or simply the spirits of evil. It could however represent unintelligent and ugly speech.

On the more positive note, the frog represents fertility, genesis, and reproductive life. In Fairy Tales, the kissed frog always turns into a handsome Prince, a great transformation.

Grasshopper- These cheerful insects, symbol of summer and fun, favour travelling and foretell good news.

Ladybug- Ladybugs are good little helpers for every gardener for they eat aphids and spare plants of the ensuing damage. As far as the omens are concerned Ladybugs are pretty little beetles that are viewed everywhere with favour as a harbinger of good fortune. Moreover, a ladybug bearing seven spots on its back is considered particularly lucky. On the negative note, in some regions ladybug denotes an irritating situation in one's life.

Lizard- To find a lizard in a place where it is unusual to do so is an omen of disappointment.

Snail- It denotes a slow, cautious attitude. 

They are considered self-sufficient because they carry around their own houses and have all of its own belongings with it every moment.

Snake- An encounter with a snake foretells of treachery, betrayal and jealousy, directed against yourself if the creature is coming towards you, but against your enemies if it is going away from you.

Snapping Turtle- Foreshadows a person who will retaliate in a negative situation.

Spider- Too see a spider in the evening portends money losses; to see one in the morning is an omen of grief; while at noon it presages trouble and anxiety. To discover a spider upon one’s clothes or person is an omen of prosperity. To come upon one that is spinning its web means that a plot is being hatched against you. To kill a spider, particularly at night, is very unfortunate.

Tadpole- It denotes spiritual immaturity

Toad- To kill or injure a toad will bring anxiety or grief upon your head.

Tortoise- A tortoise is a lucky animal, and to encounter one casually is an omen of tranquility and protection.

Turtle- Turtles represent quiet strength and long life because they live a long time. It is a symbol of fertility and unwavering vitality, and great patience. The negative aspect is a fear of facing responsibility or reality.

Viper- To encounter a viper, or adder, indicates meeting with a woman of questionable character.

Wasp- To be stung by a wasp is a warning to be on your guard against jealousy, deception and danger.

The end

The Discontented Little Turtle

The Discontented Little Turtle

All of Earth’s creatures would be contented with what they have, however little, until another comes along to upstage them.

It is in the nature of all creatures to boast and to outshine the other.  It is the enigmatic engine of truth and knowledge mired in contention and competition that inevitably robs all living beings of a peaceful heart.  So they hurtle at top speed towards that unwarranted need for a profusion of worldly goods. More is preferable, more is better, more is best, or is it?

Once upon a time there was a nice turtle family living happily in a modest pond inside a greenhouse. Their other turtle neighbors and the fish coexisted with them in perfect harmony sharing the bounty of the pond, never lacking for food, always sheltered from the harsh elements and happy to have all the space they needed to swim freely or wander about.  

During the summer months the diligent groundskeepers, for variety's sake would transfer some of these inhabitants to the outside pond. On such a happy excursion, the baby turtle found himself in the outside pond. With the eagerness of youth he spent many a good day exploring his new surroundings. He loved every new experience, every new blade of grass, every lotus flower, rocks and so forth. When it rained the droplets and the rushing wind delighted the baby turtle’s senses.  

Then there were the other interesting creatures in the air that captivated his imagination; some were small but others were incredibly huge.

With a contented air the baby turtle was sunning on his favorite rock one day, when quite absently he heaved a sigh and exclaimed, “Can things be any better than this? I have everything I need right here. This pond is the biggest and best place ever!”

“It’s adequate, yes, but certainly not the best or the biggest.”  The nearby seagull wryly grunted, startling the baby turtle.

“What you mean?” The baby turtle demanded an explanation, quickly overcoming his surprise.

The seagull could not miss this chance to amaze this little thing and boast of the places he’d seen and the existence of a vast lake not too far away. “The lake is so expansive that you cannot fly over it from one end to the next. It’s limitless.  It is so deep that no amount of drought affects the levels very much or ever can drain it.”

By the time he was through listing  the scope and grandeur of the vast open waters he had invoked in the baby turtle such curiosity and yearning that all joy and contentment had left the poor little thing. No longer was this baby turtle happy, imagining far better places he could never be.

Long after the seagull was gone the baby turtle was still unhappy and for days on end just moped about. His parents were greatly concerned about his well being and eventually, after much prying, learned the source of his troubles.  They were wise enough not to scold him for his naivete,  ingratitude or greed. Instead, his father had simply shaken his head, and then said, “To be upset over what you don’t have is to waste what you do have.”

The little turtle nodded, and went back to the happy way he was.

The End.