Greetings and Thanks
At this time of year, I regularly return to the “Thanksgiving Address”, which offers “Greetings to the Natural World”.
It has roots in long ago, dating back several centuries and often attributed to Peacemaker. The words continue to be spoken at the openings and closings of ceremonial gatherings, including gatherings related to governance, of the Haudenosaunee people, also known as the Six Nations (Cayuga, Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora).
This address, spoken before all else, is offered by a nominated individual. Rarely read verbatim, its form is traditional. The address reflects on gratitude and the imperative that the world cannot be taken for granted. It is a reminder that it is of utmost importance to align our hearts and minds with Nature.
I have a friend who often says to me, “You really don’t need to thank me.”, to which I regularly reply, “But I do.”.
Gratitude is a state of being that flows most easily with practice. At this time of year, whether or not we’re kicking back in an enormous pile of autumn leaves, creating angels in the snow or catching drops of moisture on our tongues, each of these acts is one of gratitude. These and random acts of kindness can be the fabric of our lives, upon which we weave our future.
As John Stokes, from The Tracking Project noted, “You are invited – encouraged- to share these words, that our concentrated attention might help us rediscover our balance, respect, and oneness with Nature.”
Both the longer address (left) and a shorter artistic summary (right) are available through the Syracuse Cultural Workers
Far from prescriptive, the address begins with giving thanks to The People, before recognizing The Earth Mother, The Waters, The Fish and The Plants, The Food Plants, The Medicine Herbs, The Animals, The Trees, The Birds, The Four Winds, The Thunderers, The Sun, Grandmother Moon, The Stars, The Enlightened Teachers, and The Creator. The Thanksgiving Address concludes with these Closing Words,
“We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
And now our minds are one.”
November 2024
