Swift Elk looks forward to the time when he shall be admitted to the councils of his tribe and take part in their dances and yearly feasts.
Like other Indian children, he has been trained to count time by winters, moons, and sleeps, and so he does not know his exact age. He has never heard of keeping birthdays; but he has had many feasts given in his honor, which are the same to him as a party would be to you.
When an Indian boy wins a game which requires great skill, or shows himself brave in time of danger, his companions shout his praises.
They go with him to the door of his lodge, telling of the brave deed he has performed. Then they sing and dance in his honor.
It is expected that the women of the lodge will show their pleasure by giving each boy some dainty from the stores of food packed away for feasts.
On the day that Swift Elk first shot a rabbit his father gave a feast for him, inviting all his relatives. But the most important celebration of his whole life was when he won a victory in racing and received his name.
THE NAMING OF SWIFT ELK
Unlike their sisters, Indian boys are seldom named in babyhood. Some are known only as the sons of their fathers. Others bear the nicknames given by their companions. But often a boy's name is decided upon by reason of some important action of his own.