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321 penciled at top of page - also 25 A to hu na (or Feast of Expiation) The fifth great national feast, or fast, was called A to hu na. The signification of this word, is not easily ascertained. It implies that communion the Indians enter into on certain occasions. Thus, when two young men conceived a peculiar fondness for each other, they entered into a state of perpetual brotherhood, if I may so call this relation, which cannot be expressed by any word in our language. They put on their best clothing, and met by mutual agreement, at a time & place appointed. Without much conversation, one took off a certain garment and gave to his friend. In this he was immediately imitated by the other. Another garment was then exchanged, and another, until there was an entire inter change of clothing. Thus each one gave himself to the other and was clothed by the other, & were of course one. This relation embraced all that is implied in peace, reconciliation, friendship, and brotherhood, and much more than either or all of those terms. When two were thus giving themselves to each other, and entering into that closest connexion, it was said of them A na to no ka, and the relation thus formed was termed A to hu no. So the feast under consideration was termed A to hu no and may we not suppose that this word, whatever its precise meaning may be, is designed to express an idea something similar to expiation, reconciliation or atonement. When the two parties concerned, vir. God and his people, become reconciled, and mutually, through the infinite, condescension of God, give themselves to each other, and become one (in Christ) The nature and design of this feast may also be inferred from the name given the great priest at the time, or which