The Northern Lights were closely watched by the Iroquois. The color of the lights meant a great deal to the Indian watchers.
If the Northern Lights were white, it was believed that the frost would shortly follow; if yellow, sickness and much trouble to the nation was feared; while if the lights were red, very red, war and bloodshed were on their way to harm the innocent.
If the sky was mottled and it was springtime, that was the best sign possible. There was dancing and singing, for a good corn season was expected in return for the worship shown in the dance.
Adapted from Powell’s Report. [[181]]
XXXV. LEGEND OF MACKINAW ISLAND
(Chippewa)
he spirit that rules the Woman’s Star sent her son Osseo to the earth one day.
There is a little star that shines every evening near the Woman’s Star. It is jealous of the Evening Star, and it sent poison-arrows of starlight on the head of Osseo. When the poison light-arrow struck Osseo he became like an Indian who had seen a hundred winters.