The Root ball Ceremony

The Root ball Ceremony

fiction
edward w pritchard

Note to reader all names and place names are in English

Indian tribes from all over Ohio traveled to the congruence of the Ohio River and Scioto River once every one hundred years for the root ball ceremony. At the root ball ceremony all traditions, customs and procedures were abandoned. An elaborate ceremony was held, attended by all of the major tribes of the family of tribes in Ohio, who were distant members of one tribe; to destroy the old values and originate new values for the next 100 years.

The following time line was prepared for the 1664 ceremony:

Two months before root ball ceremony: 7 braves, one each from each major tribe selected for bravery in battle arrive at site, set up camp and pick 4 to 7 potential trees for the root ball tree. Braves travel camp and eat at group expense.

Six weeks prior to event: 3 experienced elders join the camp and narrow the potential trees to 3 and set up several VIP tents

30 to 15 days prior to root ball event: One tree picked for this years root ball tree. Two to three workers from each tribe arrives and begins to clear site, 7 original braves work as supervisors, 3 elders work as consultants.

15 to 10 days prior to root ball event:
5 workers arrive to begin to hunt, find ample water for new guests, and act as security during event.

5 days prior-guests begin to arrive, party atmosphere

3 days prior to root ball event- stick night young braves and young girls chase each other till midnight with sticks and lightly tap each other, fathers worry over daughters

2 days prior Elders stretch ropes that will be used to topple root ball tree

1 day prior- feast and prayers

Root ball day- ceremony commences rain or shine. Tree selected is chopped partially down and then pulled over with ropes so tree lays along ground with large projecting root ball of exposed roots.

1 day after root ball tree toppled- elderly people [ over 40] pick a leaf from toppled tree and place it by hand on the root ball, symbolizing old values

After a brief prayer, youth and braves begin to attack root ball with sharp sticks, heavy rocks and by hand to pull all dirt off roots and prepare roots for destruction. Frenzy of root ball destruction occurs clubbing of root ball, followed by thudding of root ball with rocks and then gouging of root ball with sticks. Eventually root ball and tree are burned.

Day three post root ball- all debts forgiven, each tribe passes out expensive gifts to other tribes, acceptance of a gift is acknowledgment of respect toward giving tribe.

Day 6 Camp de-assembled, land reclaimed crowds return to daily duties and regular life

Day 10 post root ball ceremony- 3 elders plant new seeds, salvaged from old tree. Seven previously chosen brave go to stay with another tribe for six months to observe their life style

Six months and ten days post root ball ceremony- 7 braves and 3 elders meet and write down and formalize new customs procedures and values for next 100 years.

Summary 1564 to 1664 : Ohio Indian Tribes- One earth quake occurred, three tribal wars, French trapper in 1664 asked for permission to bring gun powder to 1664 ceremony, refused by 3 elders, next event planned 1763.