The Land Dreams in Ceremonies: Reparation Ceremony #2 *Chemainus*

 

Pysanka, Gift for Land: The < & > symbols that form the two sides of the eye relate to the two mountains of Skw’aakw’num (Mt. Sicker). Together, they are an “all-seeing” presence.  The “x” is a symbol of Mati Zemlya (Mother Earth) and is used for conferring stability, grounding, and protection. As a talisman, the Pysanka retains its white and yolk, bringing the potency of a miniature sun and sacred waters of life to the lands where it is buried.

Gifts Given: Sacred talismans such as Motanky, Pysanky, and Rushnyky are traditionally “given” rather than sold.  It is thought that the act of gifting increases their “powers” as a talisman and selling them “devalues” these powers.  Often the recipient will offer something in exchange, which can include a donation of money, food, or other items of value or need. An old tradition of burying a Pysanka in a field in spring brings protection and fertility to crops grown.  A Pysanka would be gifted to a beehive for the same reason or buried at a new building site for its protection.

Motanka, Gift for the Land: As a “temporary” Motanka (one that is released through either burying, burning, or floating in wild moving waters), the talisman does not include facial wrappings.  Her headscarf and shirt are naturally dyed with blackberry, iron/ rust, Queen Anne’s lace, and chicory.  Her necklace is a fragment of chain link. She was made and buried with prayers that any negativity or unhealthy energy bound to the land and its inhabitants (past, present, future) be released.

Exhibit Motanky: The Motanky you see on exhibit for each location are “fancy” – they were made in honour of the land and my experiences there and serve the purpose of connecting you to something “felt” from that place when you view or interact with them. 

Their facial wrappings are symbolic portals for ancestral wisdom.  Their clothing is dyed with plants found on the land (example: blackberries), or plants that would have been used by my ancestors for both cloth and Pysanky (example: onions).

Shadow Walking: The month was difficult.  Shadow Walking calls one to face anything unhealed, unresolved, and unacknowledged – in this case, as it relates to the lands we live on, and the echoes we leave behind.

 For detailed ceremony notes, please see this post n my sister-blog, The Land Speaks.