Omar Bennett
The Iroquois Constitution is an early American political document that outlines the rules and values of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the League of
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phrases containing figurative language | "The soft white feathery down of the globe thistle" |
| "The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans" | |
| "The Tree of the Great Long Leaves" | |
| "The name of these roots is The Great White Roots and their nature is Peace and Strength" | |
| "The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart" | |
| "As the five arrows are strongly bound this shall symbolize the complete union of the nations" | |
| "Cast not over your shoulder behind you the warnings of the nephews and nieces should they chide you for any error or wrong you may do, but return to the way of the Great Law which is just and right. Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground—the unborn of the future Nation" | |
| "Now we become reconciled as you start away. You were once a chief woman in the Five Nations' Confederacy. You once were a mother of the nations. Now we release you for it is true that it is no longer possible for us to walk about together on the earth" |
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What You'll Learn
'The soft white feathery down of the globe thistle'
The phrase "the soft white feathery down of the globe thistle" is used in the Iroquois Constitution to describe the seats offered to the leaders of the Five Nations Confederacy, also known as the Lords. The phrase is rich in figurative language and symbolism, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the Iroquois people.
The "soft white feathery down" of the globe thistle represents the care and respect afforded to the leaders of the Five Nations. The thistle's soft, feathery nature signifies comfort and protection, suggesting that the leaders are held in high esteem by their people. This phrase also symbolises the unity and peace among the tribes, as they gather under the "Tree of the Great Peace" to discuss important matters. The tree is a powerful symbol of the Iroquois' deep-rooted cultural beliefs, emphasising the importance of mutual respect and peaceful decision-making within their governance system.
The use of the globe thistle in particular may allude to the Iroquois' understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. The globe thistle, with its spherical shape, could represent the Earth or the universe as a whole, indicating the Iroquois' awareness of a broader context beyond their own communities. This choice of wording demonstrates their connection to the natural world and their respect for its elements.
Additionally, the white colour of the thistle's down holds symbolic significance. In Western traditions, white is often associated with peace, purity, and unity. In the context of the Iroquois Constitution, the white down may symbolise the purity of intent and the unity of the Five Nations as they come together under the Tree of the Great Peace. The white down may also evoke the idea of a clean slate or a fresh start, suggesting that the leaders are committed to making just and fair decisions for the welfare of their people.
The phrase "the soft white feathery down of the globe thistle" not only serves a functional purpose in describing the seats but also conveys a deeper cultural and symbolic meaning. It reflects the Iroquois' connection to nature, their respect for their leaders, and their commitment to peace and unity within their governance system. This phrase is a powerful example of how figurative language can convey complex cultural values and beliefs in a concise and evocative manner.
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'The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans'
The Iroquois Constitution, also known as The Great Binding Law, is an early American political document that describes Iroquois values and creates rules for a common council to unite the Nations. One of the well-known phrases from the constitution that contains figurative language is "The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans". This phrase is part of the "seventh-generation" philosophy, which encourages long-term thinking and considering the impact of decisions on future generations.
The phrase "The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans" is a metaphor that suggests that individuals should be resilient and not easily affected by anger, offensive actions, or criticism. It conveys the idea of having a stoic and calm demeanor, able to withstand challenges and negative influences. This concept is further reinforced by the continuation of the passage, which states, "Your heart shall be filled with peace and goodwill, and your mind filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the Confederacy." Leaders are advised to act with patience, tenderness, and calmness in their duty toward their people, setting aside self-interest.
The number seven holds symbolic significance in the Iroquois Constitution. The "seven spans" in the phrase refer to the concept of seven generations, emphasizing the importance of considering the long-term impact of decisions on future generations. This principle, also known as seven-generation sustainability, is a belief that the current generation should live and work for the benefit of the seventh generation into the future. It involves recognizing the legacy of the past three generations and the impact on the three generations that will follow.
The use of figurative language in the Iroquois Constitution, such as the phrase "The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans," demonstrates the Iroquois people's values and worldview. It reflects their respect for nature, their emphasis on long-term thinking, and their commitment to making decisions that benefit the welfare of their people and future generations. This phrase, along with other figurative expressions in the constitution, adds depth and meaning to the document, showcasing the Iroquois' unique perspective on governance and their relationship with each other and the world around them.
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'The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart'
The Iroquois Constitution is an early American political document that outlines the rules and values of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Five Nations. It is notable for its use of figurative language and metaphors, such as the "Tree of the Great Peace" or the "Tree of the Great Long Leaves", which symbolise unity and protection for the Iroquois people.
The phrase "The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart" is not from the Iroquois Constitution. It is a quote by Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan preacher during the First Great Awakening in America.
The quote by Jonathan Edwards is a vivid depiction of God's wrath and impending judgement. Edwards describes God's anger towards sinners, who are destined for the fiery pit of hell. The bow of God's wrath represents the divine punishment that is ready to be unleashed, with the arrow aimed directly at the hearts of those who have provoked God's anger. The imagery of a strained bow and a bloodthirsty arrow conveys the sense of imminent doom and the power of God's anger.
The quote continues, "...and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God—and that of an angry God without any promise or obligation at all—that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood." Here, Edwards suggests that it is only due to God's arbitrary will and forbearance that sinners are spared from immediate destruction. The imagery of the arrow being "drunk with your blood" further emphasises the violent nature of God's wrath.
Edwards' use of figurative language in this quote serves to emphasise the severity of God's anger and the precarious position of sinners. The imagery of the bow and arrow conveys a sense of tension and impending catastrophe, reflecting the Puritan view of a vengeful God.
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'The Tree of the Great Peace'
The Tree of the Great Peace, also known as the Great Tree of Peace (Skaęhetsiˀkona), is a symbol of the unity and peace of the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Over a thousand years ago, the Peacemaker and Hiawatha (Hayenhwátha’) brought together the Five Nations at Onondaga Lake. Together, they planted the Great Tree of Peace, a white pine tree, which would become a powerful symbol of the newly formed confederacy.
The Tree of Peace is a metaphor for the growth and nurturing of peace. Just as a tree provides protection and comfort, so too does peace. The white roots of the tree, visible above ground, symbolise the path that other nations can follow to join the League of the Five Nations. The roots also symbolise the spreading of peace in all directions, north, east, south, and west. An eagle sits atop the tree, serving as a vigilant protector, screaming out a warning at the approach of danger.
The Tree of Peace is deeply rooted in the oral histories and legends of the Iroquois. According to tradition, Dekanawida, the peace-giver, created the symbol of the Tree of the Great Long Leaves to represent the unity of the Five Nations. The tree also symbolises the chiefs of the nations, who stand strong and deeply rooted in the land, protecting their people with their authority. The Tree of Peace is a central element of the Iroquois Constitution, which outlines the division of power within the confederacy and the rules for a common council.
The Iroquois Constitution, an early American political document, is an oral contract that was originally memorised and represented in beaded wampum belts. The figurative language used throughout the constitution reflects the Iroquois' respect for nature and their willingness to accept outsiders into the Nation as long as they abide by the constitution. The Tree of Great Peace is specifically mentioned in the constitution, symbolising the unity of the Iroquois Confederacy.
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'The Great White Roots'
The phrase "The Great White Roots" is found in the Iroquois Constitution, a document that predates the US Constitution and is considered an early example of an American political text. The Iroquois Constitution outlines the rules and values of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the League of Five Nations.
"The Great White Roots" is a metaphorical phrase used to symbolise the principles of peace and strength that unite the five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. The full line reads: "The name of these roots is The Great White Roots and their nature is Peace and Strength." This phrase reflects the Iroquois belief in the importance of law, reverence for nature, and the need to expand into new territories.
The Iroquois Constitution makes extensive use of figurative language and symbolism, such as in the phrase "Tree of the Great Peace" or "Tree of the Great Long Leaves." This tree represents the unity and peace among the five nations, and the shelter and trust they find in their constitution. The metaphor of roots spreading out in four directions further emphasises this idea of unity and shared values: "Roots have spread out from the Tree of the Great Peace, one to the north, one to the east, one to the west, and one to the south."
The constitution also includes descriptions of the seating arrangements during council meetings, where leaders are offered seats covered in "the soft white feathery down of the globe thistle." This imagery of white, feathery down is repeated in the phrase "Tree of the Great Long Leaves," suggesting comfort and protection.
The figurative language in the Iroquois Constitution served a practical purpose, bringing the five nations together as one under a shared set of values and a unified government.
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