Friday, August 06, 2004
Standing Bear
I made previous mention that I would write more about last week's ordination ceremony once I was able to process it all. Well, so much happened during that ceremony that there is no way to make it happen. I do want to write about one aspect of that ceremony though - the naming.
In traditional Native culture, names are given to people at different times in their lives. In Haida culture a name is given at birth. Then years later, a name is given which describes the attributes of the person and places him as part of the clan. Names cannot be selected by any willing person; only those with authority can do this. It is an amazing honour to receive, especially for those who are not from within the "clan". Jim White, a Haida hereditary chief is one such person who is able to grant names. Last week during the ceremony Jim pronounced upon Brander the name of Standing Bear. He sees Brander standing in gatherings, calm and strong. Watching the people, and standing in the gap for them. This was perhaps the most significant public portion of the whole day, for this action spoke much culturally and spiritually. I don't claim to have a full understanding of it's import, but was able to see its significance by Brander's response. He is still overwhelmed, trying to sort out the emotions over the event.
Scott has posted photos from the ordination at http://newheights.fotopages.com/
In traditional Native culture, names are given to people at different times in their lives. In Haida culture a name is given at birth. Then years later, a name is given which describes the attributes of the person and places him as part of the clan. Names cannot be selected by any willing person; only those with authority can do this. It is an amazing honour to receive, especially for those who are not from within the "clan". Jim White, a Haida hereditary chief is one such person who is able to grant names. Last week during the ceremony Jim pronounced upon Brander the name of Standing Bear. He sees Brander standing in gatherings, calm and strong. Watching the people, and standing in the gap for them. This was perhaps the most significant public portion of the whole day, for this action spoke much culturally and spiritually. I don't claim to have a full understanding of it's import, but was able to see its significance by Brander's response. He is still overwhelmed, trying to sort out the emotions over the event.
Scott has posted photos from the ordination at http://newheights.fotopages.com/
// posted by Annette @ 8:02 p.m. 