The Signs Of Corn
When corn is to be planted by the Indians, it is the work of the women
folk to see to the sorting and cleaning of the best seed. It is also the
women's work to see to the planting. (This was in olden times.)
After the best seed has been selected, the planter measures the corn,
lays down a layer of hay, then a layer of corn. Over this corn they
sprinkle warm water and cover it with another layer of hay, then bind
hay about the bundle and hang it up in a spot where the warm rays of the
sun can strike it.
While the corn is hanging in the sun, the ground is being prepared to
receive it. Having finished the task of preparing the ground, the woman
takes down her seed corn which has by this time sprouted. Then she
proceeds to plant the corn.
Before she plants the first hill, she extends her hoe heavenwards and
asks the Great Spirit to bless her work, that she may have a good yield.
After her prayer she takes four kernels and plants one at the north,
one at the south, one at the east and one at the west sides of the first
hill. This is asking the Great Spirit to give summer rain and sunshine
to bring forth a good crop.
For different growths of the corn, the women have an interpretation as
to the character of the one who planted it.
1st. Where the corn grows in straight rows and the cob is full of
kernels to the end, this signifies that the planter of this corn is of
an exemplary character, and is very truthful and thoughtful.
2nd. If the rows on the ears of corn are irregular and broken, the
planter is considered careless and unthoughtful. Also disorderly and
slovenly about her house and person.
3rd. When an ear of corn bears a few scattering kernels with spaces
producing no corn, it is said that is a good sign that the planter will
live to a ripe old age. So old will they be that like the corn, their
teeth will be few and far between.
4th. When a stalk bears a great many nubbins, or small ears growing
around the large one, it is a sign that the planter is from a large and
respectable family.
After the corn is gathered, it is boiled into sweet corn and made into
hominy; parched and mixed with buffalo tallow and rolled into round
balls, and used at feasts, or carried by the warriors on the warpath as
food.
When there has been a good crop of corn, an ear is always tied at the
top of the medicine pole, of the sun dance, in thanks to the Great
Spirit for his goodness to them in sending a bountiful crop.
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