Iroquois Constitution: Enfolded Symbolism And Meanings

what is the connotation of the word enfolded iroquois constitution

The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, is a sophisticated governance model that has influenced American democracy and republican virtues. The connotation of the word enfolded in the Iroquois Constitution signifies a sense of comfort and security among the Five Nations, implying a deep sense of unity and protection. This interpretation aligns with the societal values of mutual support and cohesion, where the nations are not only joining together but also embracing each other's differences. The word enfolded in the context of the Iroquois Constitution, therefore, conveys a powerful message of unity, collaboration, and mutual understanding among the nations.

Characteristics Values
Symbol of unity Five arrows bound together
Five strings of shells tied together
United into one head, one body, and one mind
Nurturing relationship Embrace each other's differences
Support and look after each other
Complete trust
Comfort and security
Conformity

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The word enfolded signifies comfort and security

The word "enfolded" in the Iroquois Constitution signifies a sense of comfort and security among the Five Nations. The Five Nations are united completely and enfolded together, united into one head, one body, and one mind. This means that they shall labor, legislate, and council together for the interest of future generations.

The Iroquois Confederacy originally consisted of five separate nations: the Mohawks, the Onondaga, the Oneida, the Cayuga, and the Seneca. Each nation is represented by an arrow, and when these arrows are bound together, they symbolize the complete union of the nations. This unity is further emphasized by their societal values of mutual support and cohesion.

The word "enfolded" reflects this deep sense of unity and caring among the nations. It implies that they are not only joining together but are doing so while embracing each other's differences and creating a cohesive identity. This unity also symbolizes protection, where each nation supports and looks after the interests of the others, much like family members caring for one another.

The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, serves as a binding force that brings these nations together. It promotes peace and consensus rather than fighting. The constitution was conceived by Dekanawidah, known as the Great Peacemaker, and his spokesman Hiawatha.

The influence of the Iroquois Constitution extends beyond the Five Nations. It is recognized that the political system and democratic principles of the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the formation of the original 13 colonies into one republic and the development of the United States Constitution.

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The Iroquois Constitution reflects societal values of mutual support

The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, reflects societal values of mutual support. The Iroquois Confederacy, which consists of five or six nations, is a model of governance based on collective decision-making, consensus-building, and a balance of power among its member nations.

The language in the Iroquois Constitution emphasizes union and collaboration, reflecting societal values of mutual support and cohesion. The document promotes peace and consensus, stating that the Five Nations are "enfolded together," united into "one head, one body, and one mind." This idea of unity is further emphasized by the comparison of the Five Nations to a bundle of sticks, illustrating the strength that comes from unity.

The Iroquois Constitution's emphasis on collaboration and mutual support is also evident in its influence on the US Constitution. Historians agree that the Iroquois had a significant influence on the writings of the US Constitution, particularly in the formation of democratic principles and the confederation of the original 13 colonies into one republic. The concept of a union with a balanced power structure, where each member's voice is respected, is a reflection of the Iroquois Confederacy's societal values of mutual support and collaboration.

The Iroquois Constitution's values of mutual support are also reflected in the societal structure of the Iroquois people, known as the Haudenosaunee. The Haudenosaunee society is built on an extended family concept, with a network of kinship connections known as clans. These kinship ties foster a sense of interconnectedness and mutual obligation, where shared history, identity, and collective responsibility bind individuals. Reciprocity, cooperation, and collective decision-making are integral to their daily lives, emphasizing harmonious relations and consensus-building within and among the member nations of the Confederacy.

Overall, the Iroquois Constitution reflects societal values of mutual support through its emphasis on union, collaboration, and consensus-building. This is exemplified in the societal structure of the Iroquois people and their influence on democratic principles globally.

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The Five Nations are united into one head, one body, and one mind

The phrase "The Five Nations are united into one head, one body, and one mind" is a powerful statement of unity and collaboration among the Iroquois Nations. This phrase is part of the Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, which is an oral narrative documenting the formation of a league of confederated nations.

The Five Nations referred to in this phrase are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca Nations, who came together to form a strong and united front. By uniting into "one head, one body, and one mind," they pledged to work together in labour, legislation, and council for the betterment of future generations. This unity symbolised the strength and resilience of their union, much like a bundle of sticks that becomes harder to break when bound together.

The word "enfolded," used in the context of the Iroquois Constitution, carries a deep connotation of comfort, security, and conformity. It implies a sense of unity and protection, where each nation supports and looks after the interests of the others, creating a cohesive identity while also embracing their differences.

The phrase "The Five Nations are united into one head, one body, and one mind" is a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit and mutual support that exists among the Iroquois Nations. It reflects their commitment to peace and their understanding that unity brings strength and stability. This phrase continues to inspire and guide the Iroquois people in their governance and cultural values.

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The constitution helped end conflict among the Five Nations and gain allies

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations, refers to the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples. The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, united the Five Nations (the sixth nation, the Tuscarora, was added in 1722) into a League of Nations or the Iroquois Confederacy.

The Great Law of Peace was conceived by Dekanawidah, known as the Great Peacemaker, and his spokesman Hiawatha. The law was represented by symbols on wampum belts, which functioned as mnemonic devices for storytellers. The constitution emphasised union and collaboration, reflecting societal values of mutual support and cohesion.

The five arrows bound together symbolise the complete union of the nations. The word "enfolded" in the Iroquois Constitution signifies a sense of comfort and security among the Five Nations. It highlights their unity and the protective, nurturing relationship they share as they come together for future generations. This unity also symbolises protection, where each nation supports and looks after the interests of the others.

The Iroquois Confederacy influenced the writing of the U.S. Constitution. In 1754, leaders of the Confederacy attended the Albany Congress, where Benjamin Franklin was impressed by the Great Law of Peace and wrote the Albany Plan of Union. The Iroquois were also invited to address the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776 during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. In 1988, Congress passed a resolution formally acknowledging the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the U.S. Constitution.

The Iroquois Constitution helped end conflict among the Five Nations by uniting them under a single constitution, with each nation maintaining its own leadership but agreeing to come together to decide on common causes. The focus was on peace and consensus rather than fighting. The constitution also helped gain allies, as seen in the example of Benjamin Franklin being inspired to advocate for the colonies to improve security and better defend themselves from foreign powers.

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The constitution influenced the writing of the U.S. Constitution

The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Law of Peace, has had a significant influence on the writing of the U.S. Constitution. The Iroquois Confederacy, which dates back several centuries, served as a model for the founding fathers when drafting the U.S. Constitution.

The Iroquois Confederacy represented five tribes: Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, and Seneca. Each tribe had its own governance but came together to address issues of common importance. This federal structure impressed the founding fathers, who were seeking inspiration for creating a multi-state government that ensured individual freedoms and collaborative decision-making.

The language and principles of the Iroquois Constitution emphasize union, collaboration, mutual support, and cohesion among the nations. The famous excerpt, "As the five arrows are strongly bound, this shall symbolize the complete union of the nations," reflects their commitment to unity and collective action. The word "enfolded" in the Iroquois Constitution signifies a sense of comfort and security, indicating a deep sense of unity and a nurturing relationship among the nations.

The U.S. Constitution adopted similar democratic principles and a federal structure. The influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the U.S. Constitution was formally acknowledged by Congress in a 1988 resolution. This resolution recognized the impact of the Iroquois political system and democratic ideals on the founding documents and government-to-government relationships between Native tribes and the United States.

The Great Law of Peace, with its emphasis on peace, justice, and individual freedoms, has left an indelible mark on the foundational principles of the United States of America. The similarities and differences between the Iroquois Constitution and the U.S. Constitution are often studied and analyzed to understand the influence of Indigenous systems of government on the formation of the United States government.

Frequently asked questions

The word "enfolded" in the Iroquois Constitution signifies a sense of comfort and security among the Five Nations. It implies a deep sense of unity and caring, with each nation embracing one another's differences while creating a cohesive identity.

"As the five arrows are strongly bound" symbolizes the complete union of the Five Nations. Each arrow represents one nation, and when bound together, they illustrate the strength and unity of the nations as they come together under one constitution.

The number five represents the original five member nations that ratified the constitution: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca. The five nations are described as being enfolded together, united into one head, one body, and one mind.

The Iroquois Constitution is commonly known as the Great Law of Peace, represented by symbols on wampum belts. It is the oral constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, conceived by Dekanawidah, known as the Great Peacemaker, and his spokesman Hiawatha.

The Iroquois Constitution is believed to have influenced the development of colonial society, the Suffragette movement, and the framing of the U.S. Constitution. The federal structure, notions of individual liberty, and the separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution are said to have been inspired by the Iroquois Confederation.

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