In this manner all mystery songs originated,—the songs sung when healing plants were gathered and when the medicine was administered; when a man set his traps or hunted for game; when he desired to look into the future or sought supernatural guidance, or deliverance from impending danger.
The Tribal Prayer was called in the Omaha tongue Wa-kon´-da gi-kon: Wa-kon´-da, the power which could make or bring to pass; gi-kon, to weep from conscious insufficiency, or the longing for something that could bring happiness or prosperity. The words of the prayer, Wa-kon´-da dhe-dhu wah-pa´-dhin a-ton´-he, literally rendered, are, Wa-kon´-da, here needy he stands; and I am he.
This prayer is very old. Its supplicating cadences echoed through the forests of this land long before our race had touched its shores, voicing a cry recognised by every human heart.
THE OMAHA TRIBAL PRAYER.
Harmonized by Prof. J.C. Fillmore.
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Wa-kon-da dhe-dhu Wa-pa-dhin a-ton-he. Wa-kon-da dhe-dhu Wa-pa-dhin a-ton-he. |