The condolence ceremony or condolence council [1] is a part of the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace. It governs succession to political offices after a leader dies. [2] [3]
The ceremony is held in the community whose leader has died. [2] [4] Attendees are divided into two moieties: the clear-minded and the downcast or bereaved. [2] [5] The ceremony progresses through several stages, including a recitation of the Great Law. [6] [7] Through the ceremony, new leaders are appointed to replace those who have died. [6] It was typically the first item on the agenda when a Haudenosaunee council met. [8]
Among other things, the ceremony recalls the Great Peacemaker's condolence of Hiawatha and the "transformation" of Tadodaho from a state of confusion and disorder to a state of peace. [9]
The condolence ceremony or condolence council [1] is a part of the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace. It governs succession to political offices after a leader dies. [2] [3]
The ceremony is held in the community whose leader has died. [2] [4] Attendees are divided into two moieties: the clear-minded and the downcast or bereaved. [2] [5] The ceremony progresses through several stages, including a recitation of the Great Law. [6] [7] Through the ceremony, new leaders are appointed to replace those who have died. [6] It was typically the first item on the agenda when a Haudenosaunee council met. [8]
Among other things, the ceremony recalls the Great Peacemaker's condolence of Hiawatha and the "transformation" of Tadodaho from a state of confusion and disorder to a state of peace. [9]