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Show HOFFMAN.] THE " GHOST LODGE." 279 of the Mide'wigan* as shown in Fig. 30, which illustration is a reproduction of a drawing made by Sikas'sigP. 10 L_ S3P-- FIG. 85. Indian diagram of ghost lodge. The following is an explanation of the several characters: No. 1 represents the wig'iwarn of the mourner, which has been erected in the vicinity of the Mide'wigan, until after the ceremony of initiation. No. 2 is the path supposed to be taken by the shadow ( spirit) of the deceased; it leads westward to the Dzhibai Mide'wigan: literally, shadow- spirit wig'iwam. No. 8,4, 5, and 6, designate the places where the spirit plucks the fruits referred to- respectively the strawberry, the blueberry, the June cherries, and the plum. No. 7 designates the form and location of the Dzhihai' Mide'wigan. The central spot is the place of the dish of food for Dzhibai' Man'ido- the good spirit- and the smaller spots around the interior of the inclosure are places for the deposit of dishes for the other Mide' spirits who have left this earth. No. 8 is the path which is taken by the candidate when going from his wig'iwam to the Mide'wigan. No. 9 indicates the place of the sweat- lodge, resorted to at other periods of initiation. No. 10 is the Mide'wigan in which the ceremony is conducted at the proper time. It is stated that in former times the Ghost Lodge was erected west of the location of the mourner's wig'iwam, but for a long time this practice has been discontinued. The tradition relating to the Spirit's progress is communicated orally, while the dramatic representation is confined to placing the dishes of food in the Mide'wigan, which is selected as a fitting and appropriate substitute during the night preceding the initiation. This custom, as it was practiced, consisted of carrying from the mourner's wig'iwam to the Ghost Lodge the dishes of food for the spirits of departed Mide' to enjoy a feast, during the time that the Mide'priests were partaking of one. A large dish was placed in the center of the structure by the mourner, from which the supreme Mide' spirit was to eat. Dishes are now carried to the Mide'wigan, as stated above. The chief officiating Mide' then instructs the father of the deceased boy the manner in which he is to dress and proceed, as symbolizing the course pursued by the spirit of the son on the way to the spirit |
