Longhouse Religion facts for kids
The Longhouse Religion is a special spiritual path followed by some Iroquois people. It's also known as The Code of Handsome Lake or Gaihwi:io (which means Good Message). This religion was started in 1799 by a Seneca prophet named Handsome Lake (Sganyodaiyoˀ).
The Longhouse Religion mixes old Iroquois beliefs with some ideas from Christianity, especially from the Quakers. In 1969, about 5,000 people followed the Gaihwi:io. At first, people called it the "new religion." But now, it's sometimes called the "old religion" to show it's different from Christianity.
Before people lived in single-family homes, Iroquois families lived together in big houses called longhouses. These longhouses were also used for meetings, community events, and important religious ceremonies. The Longhouse Religion still uses these longhouses for its ceremonies, which is why it got its name.
How the Religion Began
Ganioda'yo was 64 years old when he had special visions while in a trance. From these visions, he created the Longhouse Religion. His teachings were written down using wampum beads. These teachings spread across western New York, Pennsylvania, and other Iroquois lands. They became known as The Code of Handsome Lake.
Handsome Lake chose several people to share the Gaihwi:io. In the early 1900s, there were six of these "holders of the Gaihwi:io." Because the teachings were mostly spoken, different versions started to appear. So, in the 1860s, these leaders met to compare their versions. A Seneca Chief named John Jacket helped decide the correct version. He wrote it down in the Seneca language. Later, Chief Edward Cornplanter rewrote it from memory to make sure it was saved.
How Followers Practice
The Gaihwi:io is taught twice a year. One time is during the Midwinter Thanksgiving, usually in January or February. The other time is at the Six Nations meeting in September. Often, preachers from different reservations visit each other to share the teachings.
A full teaching takes three mornings. Before the sun rises each day, the preacher stands by the longhouse fireplace. They sing a special Sun Song to help ensure good weather.
During the ceremonies, the preacher stands in front of the fireplace. An assistant sits nearby, holding a white wampum string. Some people sit on benches across the longhouse. Others sit on benches along the walls. Women usually cover their heads with a shawl.
The ceremonies can be very emotional. People might cry, and the strong feelings can spread through the group. Many people publicly promise again to follow the religion.
Different Views
Some people have different ideas about The Code of Handsome Lake. They believe it was too much influenced by Christian religious movements from the past. These modern traditionalists follow the teachings of Deganawidah, The Great Peacemaker. These teachings are found in the Great Law of Peace, which is like the constitution for the Six Nations or Haudenosaunee people.
The Great Law of Peace protects old religious ceremonies. It also talks about good role models in the community. However, some people think that parts of Handsome Lake's teachings might not fit with their understanding of the Great Law of Peace.
See also
In Spanish: Religión de la Casa Comunal para niños
