Virginia free press & farmers' repository. [volume] (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1827-1832, 1831-10-20

SACRED FIRE OF THE INDIANS

Many OF the peculiar customs which
formerly existed among the Indian
tribes, are now preserved only in ira
dihons: OF these, one of the most singu
lar was an institution for the preserya
ton OF an eternal fire. All the rite.
and duties connected with it are vet
fresh in the recollection of the Indians;
aud It was extinguished after the
French arrived upon the great lakes.
The prevalence of a similar custom
among the nations Of the East, from a
very early period, is we'll known to all
who have traced the history and pro-
gress Of human supsrstitions And
from them it found its way to Greece
and eventually TO Rome. 1t is not.
perhaps, surprising that the elements
OF ire should be selected as the oh
ject OF worship, by nations ignorant of
the true religion. and seeking safety
in that system of polytheism, which
declared the manners and morals of
the most polished people of antiquity.
The affections seem to require some
thing visible and tangible for their sun.
port. And this mysterious agent was
sufficiently powerful il It's effects ,ad
striking IN It's operation, to appear n,
a direct emanation from the Deity.-
But there was a uniformity in the
mode OF worship, and in the princi-
pies OF its observance. which leaves no
doubt OF the common origin of this be
lief. The sacred flame was not only
regarded as the object of veneration.
but its preservation was iDdissol.bIy
connected with the existence of the
state. IL was the visible emblem of
the public safety. Guarded by his
chosen ministers, secured by dreadful
imprecations and puDishments; and
made holy by a solemn and imposing
ritual. The condolences which will
be found between these observances
and opinions, and the ceremonies and
oelief OF the Indians, indicate with
SUFFICIENT certainty, that their notions
upon this subject were brought with
them from the Eastern Hemisphere,
and were derived from the fruitful
Persian stock.
have not ascertained the existence
OF this custom among any of the north
western tribes, except the Chippcwas
although | have reason to believe that
the Shawnees were devoted to il, and
me Chippswas, IN fact assert that they
received their fire from the latter.
But there IS such similarity and even
laertIty OF manners and customs a
monS the tribes east Of the Mississippi,
that have but little doubt the same
institution would be every where dis
covered, u inquiries we're prosecuted
under favorable circumstances IL is
certain, that the Matches were FIRE
worshippers, and without giving full
credit to all the marvellous taics rela
ied OF this tribe by tho early French
travellers, we may vet be satisfied
from the many concurring accounts,
that they were believers in the efiea.
ey Of az eternal fire.
The Chippewa tribe formerly inha
oi'ed The regions around lake Superior.
and 10 council house md the seat a.
tie eternal ere. west 81 the Krewtr
nau Point. Here lived the pr,nctn,l
ehiet, called the Moicbckewi.. wbo
exercised more authority and asspmed
more state, than would be- son,g.,isie
with the present feelings of The 10.
dams. The designation was Official
and not personal, and the Office vas
hereditary 10 the direct male line. -
lie vas supported by voluntary con
r'eul'ons, has Nuskinewa. or provider.
msking known from time to time hts
nseessii'es. by public PROCLAMATION. -
Whatever was required upon these
occasions sghafber FL - Il .t..
was immediately furnished. lie ap.