Today I am writing about how I came by the Title of Big Tree and what it entails. Big Tree (Degandaweda) is a title which was restricted to members of the Seneca Nation and was carried by the Traditional Peace Chief .. However in 1959, I took leave from the Navy and went to speak with several elders I met in a motel room on the PA/NY line. I asked them what they thought I should do now that my military career was ending. They asked me if I intended to return to the tribe and live among our people. When I told them no, they looked at each other and went out on the balcony and talked for two hours. They came back in and asked me to step out, they had to use the phone. When they allowed me back in the room, they told me they had to send for someone to do a ceremony. They said they were going to eat but I had to fast, so just stay in the room. When I asked what was going on, they just said you are going to fulfill a prediction. For the next three days I sat in the motel room during the day and on the balcony at night, waiting for who ever had been sent for. I got pretty hungry while I was waiting and praying. Finally on the evening of the fourth day a man and woman showed up. She spoke fair English and he spoke little or none. Before I could ask any questions, we loaded into a car and headed for the mountains . All I found out during our ride was he was Hopi and she was his grand daughter. Never did learn how to pronounce either ones name. However I can share my portion of the ceremony. My two elders stayed with the car and the last I saw were getting ready to eat. In the mean time our driver led the three of us up the hill. When we came to a ledge surrounded by trees he set up a tent for the elder and his granddaughter and then left. He asked through her if I was ready to become a peacemaker. This means standing up to governments, corporations, police and anyone who victimize another even if it would cost me my life or liberty. I said I was. He asked me if I would stand for peace even against my own people or the United States itself. I said I would. He said Will you take on the name your Grandmother gave you so long ago. I said what name is that? He replied Big Tree (Degandaweda). For in taking this name you are no longer Seneca, nor a member of the military or A member of the United States. Instead you now serve all mankind. You now serve all life on Mother. I said I will. Then he ordered me to strip. He took my hand and led me to the ice cold stream next to where we were. Once their he immersed me to wash away my previous life. That evening happened to be around freezing. Then he pointed up the hill where I was to greet the sun. He also gave me a apron to cover my privets. I saw his granddaughter start to fix a meal for them as I wound up the path to the top. The next morning after I greeted the sun I walked back down to the camp at the bottom. I was given a meal of dark course bread and watercress and black coffee to break my fast with. He also explained that when my life was drawing to a close I had to find someone else to carry the name and the duties. He also gave me to know I was to serve all, no matter where I found myself i the future. I am now looking fro someone to carry on the name and the work. Bob Smith (Big Tree) Peacemaker 11//10/2013
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 15:14:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015