The Osage tribe, two versions of the child-naming rite / (1928 N 43 / 1925-1926 (pages 23-164))

by Francis La Flesche

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The name Zhin-ga´-ga-hi-ge is still used in the Ṭa-p̣a´ gens of the Omaha, a cognate tribe.

[2] The words of this line are figurative and mean the earth when she displays her greatness by her blossoming flowers and her ripening fruit.

[3] The Little Rock of the marsh is spoken of as the Gentle Rock because it is a special life symbol of the people for whom there must always be peace and happiness. As a memorial of the finding of the Little Rock of the marsh the members of the Hoⁿ´-ga gens in cutting the hair of their little ones leave a fringe around the entire edge.