.MTA1Mw.NzA2ODE

499 and 82 penciled at top of page

Feasts _______ Natchez Indians. As these Indians, anciently had no corn, but a certain kind of rye, which got ripe in June, they had their feast of first fruits in that month. The official name of their priest was Hi wa u ya, meaning one who prays. This priest appointed the time for the feast of first fruits, and sent a messenger to notify the people to bring their first fruits on the morning of the seventh day. Then all assembled at the council house. the rye was put into six large wooden vessels, provided for the purpose, and these were filled with water, some cane leaves were also put in with the rye. The priest then prayed. When he ceased, all the people gave thanks to god. He prayed again; and again the people praised god. By this time the rye had become swolen, and half the company ate half of it, and then the other half consumed the rest. Men, women & children partook together. I can learn however but little of this interesting tribe. The live among the creek.