pole was planted in a broad open space. As the melodious Call to the
Ceremony echoed over the land, the people gathered from their tents. Each
one of the ten groups took its respective place and all the groups formed a
wide circle about the tree. Every one, down to the little children, carried
a twig with leaves. These they held aloft as they made their rhythmic,
ceremonial approaches to the tree, and afterward danced about the sacred
symbol.

It was a wonderful and a beautiful scene that took place on the prairies
years ago, when hundreds of Omahas moved to the rhythm of the sacred songs,
waving the green sprays as they danced up to the symbolic tree and circled
about it with thanksgiving and joy. It was thus they exemplified tribal
unity, wherein every one was a part of the living whole.

This ancient American ceremony should live anew with us wherever we gather
to enjoy the delights of nature in goodly company.

_Directions_.--It may be difficult to prepare a young tree for the central
pole after the manner of the Omaha; if so, a space around a single tree can
be made to serve. Bands of red and black muslin or paper should be put
about the tree trunk; these are to symbolize the days and nights enjoyed
during the camp life. The members of the camp should be divided into groups
and each group have a name and a color. Small branches should be gathered,
equal in number to those who will take part in the dance. If actual
branches are not available, wands can be used; to these fluttering
decorations of green paper should be attached, also a streamer the color of
the group. Each group should be assigned a place in the wide circle that is
to be made about the tree.

When all are ready the following Call should be sung. The Indian words are
retained, as they are easy to pronounce and fit the meaning, and are
adapted to the long echoing cadences of the Call.

Song No. 1

THE CALL

Zha-wa i-ba i-ba e-he,
Zha-wa i-ba i-ba ha e-he.

[Music]

[Words: Zha-wa = to rejoice; i-ba = come; ha = vowel prolongation of the
syllable ba; e-he = I bid you. "I bid you come to rejoice."]

This English translation of the native words does not convey the stirring
appeal of the Omaha: "To rejoice! Come! I bid you." The stress of the music
of the Call is on "Zha-wa," to rejoice; the notes which carry the words
"e-he," "I bid you," seem to float afar as if to reach the most distant
member of the tribe with the summons. The cadence o