Chapter 3 Maidu Stories
Chapter 3 Maidu Stories Chapter 3 Maidu Stories Next week, we practice for the dong-kato. Actually, girls in my grade participated in the coming-of-age celebration last year, so this year, we're helping the sixth-and seventh-graders. It's just a simple song-and-dance ceremony, with all the families looking on. But long ago, the old Maidu version lasted about five nights. "At the actual ceremony, you'll be standing inside a ring of pine needles," says Ms. Darrow as she draws a big circle in the
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Chapter 3 Maidu Stories
Chapter 3 Maidu Stories
Next week, we practice for the dong-kato.Actually, girls in my grade participated in the coming-of-age celebration last year,so this year, we're helping the sixth-and seventh-graders.It's just a simple song-and-dance ceremony, with all the families looking on.But long ago, the old Maidu version lasted about five nights.
"At the actual ceremony, you'll be standing inside a ring of pine needles,"says Ms. Darrow as she draws a big circle in the dirt with a stick."And as some of you may know, during the old Maidu ceremony, the ring was set on fire.The girls had to run through it." Everyone oohs and ahhs at this information.
In the old days, the ritual began during the afternoon.Each girl had five vertical lines painted on each cheek.Every morning, one on each cheek would be washed away.Two by two, the girls would cover their heads and stand inside the ring of fire.After they escaped, they bathed in a sand pit.
Ms. Darrow turns on the tape recorder, and drumming sounds pound out a rhythm. This is just for practice.During the real thing, Maidu drummers will play, along with gourd and flute players."All right now, older girls - demonstrate the wulu again, if you please.Then we'll go over the songs again."The wulu was a special dance that began at nightfall, and was accompanied by singing.
Now we line up and show the wulu, which isn't so hard, really - just some simple steps with swaying arm movements.Then the younger girls step up and follow along.From the corner of my eye, I see Cara hanging back, tracing patterns in the dirt with her shoe.One of the teachers encourages her to join in, giving her shoulder a little push. Well, that does it.Shouting, "No!" and shaking her head vigorously, Cara runs off, away from the school.
I quickly ask for permission to go after her. But where?I decide to head home, and on the way, I spot her bright pink hoodie down by the lake.Cara's sitting in one of my favorite spots by the lake.
She looks up as I approach, then looks down, watching the twirl of her bare feet in the water.I sit about a yard away, hugging my knees.She sniffles a couple of times, and I figure that's my cue.
