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EAGLE FIESTA OF THE CALIFORNIA INDIANS (LUISENO)

J. J. Warner

"Of the many occasional and annual feasts, whether of a religious

r social character, which so frequently occur, and are most observed by the
indians, the Eagle Feast is most conspicuous.  It is preeminently the feast
f the year. It is known in California, in the Spanish language, as

la Fiesta del Gabilan' -- the name of the hawk having, from the ignorance of
he language by the Indians, been given to the eagle.

This feast is celebrated at a full moon, during autumn. In the

pring of the year careful examination and scrutiny is made by the Indians of

ose localities where the eagle is wont to build its eeyrie, and he who dis-

ers the nestling place of the bird of heaven, returns to his village filled
th joy. The nest is frequently visited during the incubation of the parent

lrd, and when the young make their appearance, they are closely watched until
ey are fledged. They are then removed from the nest and carried to the

llage. This act is accompanied with ceremonies and rejoicing.   When the

ng eagles have grown, so that it would be unsafe to suffer them longer to

in, the fortunate discoverer, attended by a few companions, proceeds to

e locality of the nest, where after asking the blessing of the Great Spirit,

birds are removed and carefully conducted towards the village.  A herald
sent forward to announce that success has attended their labors.

Upon the return of the party, they are met while yet a considerable
stance from the village by a procession of the young maidens accompanied by

villagers, who receive with demonstrations of triumph the royal bird, which
y convey amidst singing and dancing to the place prepared for its residence.

this time until Autumn when the young eagles have attained their growth,
y are fed and tended with watchful solicitude.

When two or more eaglets are found by the inhabitants of one village,
becomes the most acceptable gift that can be bestowed upon the people to

friendly village or some particular individual of a neighboring village.
bird only is required for the feast, and this sacrificial offering occurs
t once during the year, at the same village.

Upon the approach of winter, and after the gathering of the spontan-
s fall crops, at the full moon, this solemn and instructive celebration

es place. The inhabitants of the friendly villages, not only near but more

te, are ceremoniously invited to participate in the festivities of the

Los Angeles Star (newspaper), February 28, 1857.

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occasion.  Suitable preparations having been made, upon the designated day,

the people who have received invitations, arrive from the surrounding villages.

A sufficient area for the accommodation of those who take part in the ceremonies,
as well as for the spectators, having been enclosed, in the center of which a
bright fire is kindled, the evening is spent in chanting and dancing. As the
full orbed moon gracefully ascends towards the zenith, the performance becomes
more animated. A short time previous to high moon, the officiating priest,
bearing the heaven-bound messenger, makes his appearance. All is hushed in

silence as he enters the enclosure and approaches the burning pile, displaying
the immortal bird before the anxious and admiring multitude.   Low-toned and

solemn chants and ejaculations, interspersed with benedictions, flow from the

priest as with measured step he passes around the fire. Having in this manner
introduced himself and subject to the congregated people, he informs them that
if they have any thanks for blessings received, or petitions to send to the

Great Spirit, to communicate the same; and then, directing his discourse to the
eagle, recounts all the notable events, either of good or evil which they have
enjoyed or suffered during the past year. The many anticipated wants for the

coming year -- the genial showers, the fruitful forests and fields, the abundance
of game, and security from the enemies, are dwelt upon.

As the moon approaches her greatest altitude, the scene becomes excit-
ing. The measured step becomes quick, the low voice gives way to earnest en-

treaty and commands, until the speaker winds himself up to the highest physical
and mental excitement. The imperial messenger is then charged in the most

emphatic manner, to speed his way to the courts of heaven, and without fail to
lay before the Great Spirit their combined thanks and petitions, while at the

same time he is instructed to faithfully represent them before the giver of all
good.

As the last words of this solemn and imposing charge dies away upon

the still bosom of night, the spirit of this bird of Jove, takes its silent and

peaceful departure from the body, to wing its way to the source of all life. The
moment the head of the bird is seen to droop in death, and while its spirit still
lingers to take a last l.oek, and receive the parting ejaculations, a deep and

solemn suspiration breaks forth from the attending multitude. A silence, as if
instantaneous death had fallen upon every person present, reigns without inter-
ruption, while the officiating priest, passing round the open area, displays to
the people the lifeless body of the eagle, which has voluntarily resigned his
life here to become the messenger and advocate of man at the celestial courts.

The large feathers of the bird are then plucked and carefully preserved
for future use, and the body committed to the flames, where it is closely watched
by every person present until the last particle of its body disappears in

ascending vapor. The remainder of the night is spent in dancing, accompanied

with singing and chanting. In the niorning, presents, consisting of the proceeds
of the summer and fall harvests, are divided among those guests which have been
invited from other villages.

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It is a common occurrence that the person who makes this feast,

:ributes the entire produce of his fields among his guests. None but the
!industrious among the Indians, are able to enjoy the luxury of giving
agle feast, and they are necessarily left destitute of food, and are

elled to attend similar feasts at other villages, where they obtain a
i bountiful share in the distribution."

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