The difference between the two wi´-gi-es in this respect was spoken of to Shoⁿ´-ge-moⁿ-iⁿ and he said: “We notice such mistakes in the tribal rites but controversy over them is always avoided by the Noⁿ´-hoⁿ-zhiⁿ-ga. Xu-tha´-wa-ṭoⁿ-iⁿ recited his wi´-gi-e correctly, and we recite ours as it was handed down to us. The Ṭsi´-zhu Wa-noⁿ, being a war people, mention in their wi´-gi-e their two war gods, the Red-star and the Dog-star; they address both as grandfather. We (the Ṭsi´-zhu Wa-shta-ge) are a peace people, therefore we do not mention those two gods in our child-naming ritual.”
First Child-naming Wi´-gi-e of the Ṭsi´-zhu Wa-noN Gens
The following is the first wi´-gi-e in the Child-naming Ritual of the Ṭsi´-zhu Wa-noⁿ, war gens, of the Ṭsi´-zhu great tribal division, as recited by Xu-tha´-wa-ṭoⁿ-iⁿ.
TAKING OF LIFE SYMBOLS
1
1. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house,
2. The Ṭsi´-zhu, a people who have seven fireplaces, spake to one another,
3. Saying: O, younger brothers,
4. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies.
5. Then, at that very time they spake
6. To the Sho´-ḳa Wa-ba-xi (the Chief Messenger),
7. Saying: O, younger brother,
8. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies,
9. Take heed and see what can be done.
10. Then, at that very time,
11. The Chief Messenger
12. Hastened to the
13. God of Day (the Sun), who sitteth in the heavens,
14. And returned with him to the people.
15. They spake to the God of Day, saying: O, grandfather,
16. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies.
17. Then, at that very time,
18. The God of Day quickly replied: It is well you sent for me.
19. Of all the groups of gods,
20. I am a god by myself.
21. The little ones shall make of me their bodies.
22. Even among the gods,
23. There is not one who has power to see my path.
24. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
25. Even among the gods
26. There is not one who shall be able to see their path, in life’s journey.
27. Even among the gods
28. There is not one who has power to cross my path.
29. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
30. Even among the gods
31. There is not one who shall be able to cross their path, in life’s journey.
32. Even among the gods
33. What one is there who can stand in my way to prevent my going?
34. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
35. Even among the gods
36. There is not one who shall be able to stand in their way to prevent their going.
37. I am not the only god,
38. Take heed and make further search.
2
39. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house,
40. The Chief Messenger
41. Hastened to the
42. Goddess of Night (the Moon), who sitteth in the heavens,
43. And returned with her to the people.
44. They spake to her, saying: O, grandmother,
45. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies.
46. Then, at that very time,
47. The Goddess of Night replied: It is well you sent for me.
48. Of all the groups of gods,
49. I am a god by myself.
50. Even among the gods
51. There is not one who has power to see my path.
52. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
53. Even among the gods
54. There is not one who shall be able to see their path.
55. Even among the gods
56. There is not one who has power to cross my path.
57. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
58. Even among the gods
59. There is not one who shall be able to cross their path.
60. Even among the gods
61. What one is there who can stand in my way to prevent my going?
62. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
63. Even among the gods
64. There is not one who shall be able to stand in their way to prevent their going.
65. I am not the only god,
66. Take heed and make further search.
3
67. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house,
68. The Chief Messenger
69. Hastened to the
70. Star of Day (the Morning Star), who sitteth in the heavens,
71. And returned with him to the people.
72. They spake to the Star of Day, saying: O, grandfather,
73. The little ones have nothing of which to make their bodies.
74. Then, at that very time,
75. The Star of Day replied: It is well you sent for me.
76. The little ones shall make of me their bodies.
77. Of all the groups of gods,
78. I am a god by myself.
79. The little ones shall make of me their bodies.
80. Even among the gods
81. There is not one who has power to see my path.
82. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
83. Even among the gods
84. There is not one who shall be able to see their path.
85. Even among the gods
86. There is not one who has power to cross my path.
87. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
88. Even among the gods
89. There is not one who shall be able to cross their path.
90. Even among the gods
91. What one is there who can stand in my way to prevent my going?
92. When the little ones make of me their bodies,
93. Even among the gods
94. There is not one who shall be able to stand in their way to prevent their going.
95. I am not the only god,
96. Take heed and make further search.