Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1893-10-05
SUNSHINE ON A SNOWY PEAk.
A Wonderful Rainbow Eject Which
Scared the Cahuilla Indians.

A Wonderful Rainbow Eject which
Scared tho Cahuilla Indians.
A recent arrival at Redlands, Cal,
from beyond Mount Jacinto brought
news that the Indians are very much
alarmed over the rtappearance for the
first time in many years of the singular
image of a rainbow on the snow cover
ing the southeast side of the mountain.
II seems that the Cahuillas have some
fragmentary traditions indicating con-
tact at a remote period with the race
that carried its rudimentary civiliza-
tion into Mexico and there expanded IL
into the elaborate works and complex
system of worship that Cortez found
In their migrations the Aztecs left
traces of their belief in the white god.
though II the benefcent side of their
deity was formerly spoken of in the
Indiandegends, recollections of IL has
been lost in the centuries of repetition
by narrators unable to comprehend any
but the severer traits of intelligent be-
ings. In the tribe lore "A curious sig
nificarce is attached to the rainbow. 10
Is recognized as n sign from great
spirit, but not as a kindly pledge In
their crude idea OF the white god he is
believed to have threatened vengeance
on the race for an offense that none of
the traditions clearly explains. Rising
from the earth until his glorious head,
decorated with a crown of brilliantly
colored feathers curving backward over
his shoulders, shone from behind the
mountain, he told the awe-striclxen
people that as a punishment he would
at his own time bring destruction
upon all descendants of those who
had incurred his wrath. There are
said 10 be vague references 10 inter
cession from favored mortals. who sue
ceeded in eliciting an unwilling promise
that until certain event he would
withhold his vengeance. The nature
Of the event is lost in the confusion Of
ignorant transmission, but in storms
the fair god raises his head TO look at
the people whom ne wishes to destroy,
and the rainbow is a dim view of his
plumage that he exhibits as a reminder
that Ne has not forgotten or forgiven
the crime of ages ago IL was learned
from wise men long in the lost con-
turtles that when he permits the wind
TO blow the great bright feathers Of
his crown against the mountain and
stain the snow of San Jacinto his anger
Is very great. and that, inpatient over
delay, he is contemplating putting the
threat into execution, regardless Of the
terms Of his promise.
Within three weeks the great arch of
many colors was again formed on the
snow-eovered sides OF the mountain,
and the belief Of the Indians that the
wind blew a rainbow against the white
drifts and stamped the gaudy phantom
there cannot be shaken. II is disap-
pearing as the snow l!ae recedes, but a
large segment OF II is yet plainly visi.
BILE. Disquietude was very sensibly
increased by the information re-
ceived through their peculiar re-
sources of qnick intelligence of
the volcanic eruption in Mexico,
and the spectacle of the red and
blue shooting star in the western
heavens on Monday night was regarded
as so portentous that uneasiness has
been intensified. Nothing but the entire
disappearance of the strange rainbow
mirage will assure the suPerstitious
inhabitants of the reservation. As,
however, the snow is rapidly changing
It's surface under the present hot sun,
the remarkable bow cannot last long.
II Is a matter OF regret that the mag
nificent spectacle does not present itself
oftener or that IL Is beyond the present
lines of easy travel Owing 70 its
infrequent occurrence and the fact that
IL has never been seen by trained
scientific observers, no sufficient ex-
PLANTATION Of the singular phenomenon
has ever been given, bit the opinion Of
learned men who have heard II min
utsly described is that a meeting OF
several currents OF wind during a storm
places the snow IN drifts atsuch angles
as 70 give bcholders from below what
may surely be termed natures grandest
work. Of art White men, impelied by
curiosity and perhaps hoping 70 find
the fabied pot Of gold, have made the
difficult ascent 70 inspect the great
pecter rainbow where II lay, but upon
arriveI where they had seen II from
the plains. found nothing but the white
snow though far nDove the mirage
Retained. rs gaudy colors undimmcd,
cgrrins gradually toward the peak.
qliroerarA,
40 clepterfy crop pfqmieea "a he ~
tnr|nun1 one