In my heart there comes a longing

While I stand in deep reverie

When I think of the old traditions

Ah, the days that used to be.

I’m getting older, oh my people …

… I beseech thee, oh my tribesmen

Our traditions not to forget.

—From “Reveries Of The Chiefs” by Mabel L. Avant – Nokomis (1892-1964)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

According to research Christmas was not celebrated in early America and was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. If you did celebrate, you were fined 5 shillings. The first state to legalize Christmas was Alabama in 1836. Washington, DC, legalized it in 1870 and by 1893 all states in the United States were celebrating.

For us Indigenous folks, “People of the First Light” Mashpee Wampanoag, Christmas is all about prayers, sovereignty, love, traditions, cultural food, drumming, dance, sharing stories about Grandpa, Grandma, Mumma, Daddy, Uncles, Cuz, children, friends and pets that equal hugs and smiles.

Also, we must remember our wonderful Mashpee Wampanoag Lady Christmas Carolers who share their singing for the elders and others in the Mashpee community. They go everywhere from homes to nursing homes, and this writer says, “We Must Honor Them!”

I believe everyone remembers the legendary Santa Claus. I heard that Santa Claus is still at the North Pole with the reindeer and lots of pretty packages tagged on many as Mashpee Community. Keep your fingers crossed that you may get one—or a few if you are lucky and have been goodie two shoes.

Now we have legendary Granny Squannit (Mashpee Wampanoag), also known as Too-quah-mis-quant, who everyone may not know. The Granny Squannit story is our oldest legend I’ve learned. She stops in from season to season. She travels the Atlantic Ocean, rivers and streams depending on your devilish actions. Her long black hair covers her face so you can only see her tiny mouth. She only has one eye and they say it is red. She pinches my son Standing Pipe’s toe often, I’m not sure if he has one missing.

Grandmothers and grandfathers have seen her in the woods and in their dreams. She is protected by the Moon, Sun, Rain and Fog.

Granny loves Christmas, especially Santa Claus, because she really has a handle on his reindeer, namely Rudolph—maybe because his red nose and her red eye match, ya think?

Earl Cash Sr. (Soaring Eagle) Medicine Man, People of the First Light–Mashpee Wampanoag, says for “Mashpee’s community and everyone, especially our children, all around to share Spiritual Realities, traditions, Love, Peace and Respect. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Our retired Chief Vernon (Bunny) Lopez, who is 100 years old, makes mention that “things are slow now, even thoughts of Christmas shopping, but I wish all good Will, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.”

Things will shine in 2023, watch and see!

Creator, Great Spirit, Dear Lord Jesus, Amen