Re: Inuit Philosophy and Spirituality

Posted by Kathy S on September 28, 1998 at 20:53:03:

In Reply to: Re: Inuit Philosophy and Spirituality posted by Rebecca on September 28, 1998 at 17:30:22:

: Thanks again, Rebecca. I hadn't heard of the custom of never speaking the name of a person once they died. It would be very difficult to never mention the name of a deceased loved one, at least for us, in today's world. We probably would have a hard time getting through the grieving process if we had to be silent. Do you know if ceremonies or group activities commemorated the dead in a general rather than individual way? And do you or anyone know what the Mohican customs were pertaining to honoring the dead?

: : Thanks,
: : Kathy

: You are very welcome! Yes, it can be a bit awkward not being able to mention the deceased's name..We usually refer to the person as the late brother, late mom etc.

: The dead are indeed commemorated in a in a ceremony called a "Rounddance".The whole community takes part in it.BTW Rounddances are usually performed by Prairie Indians..

: Rebecca

Rebecca, thank you for sharing this. It's fascinating to learn how people of various cultures approach the same life experiences. Because of your explanation I think I understand it better. You are permitted to speak of them, and about them as long as the actual name is not mentioned, even today. Right? What if a non-believer or someone unfamiliar with this custom should speak the name of the deceased. Is that also supposed to negatively affect the soul of the deceased? I know it sounds like a silly question, but in the modern world I imagine that would happen sometimes. As opposed to the old times when people of a tribe always lived together, and everybody concerned was aware of the taboo.

Thanks in advance,
Kathy S

Follow Ups:

• Re: Inuit Philosophy and Spirituality Rebecca 14:00:37 9/29/98 (1)
  • Re: Inuit Philosophy and Spirituality Ayesha 19:28:26 9/29/98 (0)

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: :  Thanks again, Rebecca. I hadn't heard of the custom of never speaking the name of a person once they died. It would be very difficult to never mention the name of a deceased loved one, at least for us, in today's world. We probably would have a hard time getting through the grieving process if we had to be silent. Do you know if ceremonies or group activities commemorated the dead in a general rather than individual way?  And do you or anyone know what the Mohican customs were pertaining to honoring the dead? 

: : : Thanks,
: : : Kathy 

: : You are very welcome! Yes, it can be a bit awkward not being able to mention the deceased's name..We usually refer to the person as the late brother, late mom etc.

: : The dead are indeed commemorated in a in a ceremony called a "Rounddance".The whole community takes part in it.BTW Rounddances are usually performed by Prairie Indians..

: : Rebecca

: Rebecca, thank you for sharing this. It's fascinating to learn how people of various cultures approach the same life experiences. Because of your explanation I think I understand it better. You are permitted to speak of them, and about them as long as the actual name is not mentioned, even today. Right? What if a non-believer or someone unfamiliar with this custom should speak the name of the deceased. Is that also supposed to negatively affect the soul of the deceased? I know it sounds like a silly question, but in the modern world I imagine that would happen sometimes. As opposed to the old times when people of a tribe always lived together, and everybody concerned was aware of the taboo.

: Thanks in advance,
: Kathy S


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