Our ceremonies
The Haudenosaunee have ceremonies of giving thanks throughout the year. These ceremonies follow seasonal changes and the maturing of foods. The start of each ceremony is determined by the Faithkeepers in each community.
Move your cursor over the circles to learn about the annual cycle of ceremonies.
1st Moon
Midwinter – Time of Renewal. Second week in January, lasts eight days.
Midwinter – Time of Renewal. Second week in January, lasts eight days.
2nd Moon
Maple Sap Thanksgiving. Opening and Closing of the Trees. Second week in February, lasts one day.
Maple Sap Thanksgiving. Opening and Closing of the Trees. Second week in February, lasts one day.
4th Moon
Thunder Dance – Welcome back the Grandfathers. First week in April.
Thunder Dance – Welcome back the Grandfathers. First week in April.
5th Moon
Sun and Moon Dance. Beginning of May for the sun, second week for the moon.
Sun and Moon Dance. Beginning of May for the sun, second week for the moon.
Seed Blessing
Seed Blessing. Middle of May, lasts one day.
Seed Blessing. Middle of May, lasts one day.
Planting
Planting ceremony. End of May.
Planting ceremony. End of May.
Strawberry
Strawberry Thanksgiving – Honor the first spring medicine. Middle of May, lasts one day.
Strawberry Thanksgiving – Honor the first spring medicine. Middle of May, lasts one day.
7th Moon
Green Bean and Small Green Corn (sweet stage). First week in August, lasts one day.
Green Bean and Small Green Corn (sweet stage). First week in August, lasts one day.
8th Moon
Corn ceremony. Middle of August.
Corn ceremony. Middle of August.
10th Moon
Harvest. Middle of October, lasts four days.
Harvest. Middle of October, lasts four days.
11th Moon
Thunder Dance.
Thunder Dance.
12th Moon
End of Seasons.
End of Seasons.