What have you done giveaway for? According to tradition, anyone who served you in some way was the recipient of a giveaway. The elder who taught the young people the traditions was supported by giveaway from the whole tribe. The Medicine person who healed a sickness or provided spiritual help or led a ceremony for the people received a giveaway in accordance with how valuable the recipients felt the service was and their ability to give. Someone who helped to tan, make weapons or gave some other service was also the recipient of a giveaway. As was those who had no more then a passing pleasant word to you. Those who danced in ceremony or stood in defense of the people also received a giveaway. Most important to the whole concept though was the sharing of good fortune, which often meant giving away of something of personal value or giving a feast for anyone who would come. It was often said of the true leaders of the people that they had the worst clothes, poorest lodge and least animals because they gave away the most. When and what have you done giveaway for and to whom recently?
Big Tree 2/5/2010
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