Catching the Sun Native American Story of The Sacred Cedar

https://steemit.com/native/@j1337/catching-the-sun-native-american-story-of-the-sacred-cedar-tree

A few men wanted to catch the sun and banded together. They went due east where they knew the sun came up. They went there but it already rose. So they camped out there at night and waited for the sun to rise again so they could catch him. This time the caught the sun first thing in the morning. They asked for power and health and help. The sun says I am put here only for one thing, and that is to give light.

One man asked if he could see into the future. "All right," said the Sun, "If that is all, I can help. I will put you down in the west where I go through the earth at the end of the day."

Another man asked for everlasting life, saying "I don't want to die. I want to be here to help my people as long as this earth will last." "All right," replied the Sun, "I can do that. I will grant you immortality. When you start back, you will suddenly turn into something which never dies. Your name will be Cedar Tree and you will remain forever with all nations and all people. You will be the first one that they use in their feasts. All peoples will think of you as holy."


"I also want to be immortal," said a man, "Let it be so, then," said the Sun. "I will. You shall be everlasting.  and your friend" Another asked to be blessed in some way associated with the water, and he later was changed into a merman.

None of these men really understood what was going to happen to them. They felt a little jealous  When the Sun reached its western stopping place, they all climbed off and thanked to him.

The last man told the Sun that he desired no change or blessing. He only wanted to remain as the Great Spirit had made him and said that he had only come to see the Sun and help the others.

As they were on their way back, the man who had first asked for everlasting life suddenly said: "Here is where I am to stay!" When the others looked back they saw a great sweet-smelling cedar tree. "Take my leaves and use them for incense at your ceremonies," it said, "and call the cedar tree your family when you speak of it."

A moment later the other man who desired immortality cried out, "Here is where I am to stop!" and, behold, they saw a great boulder. The stone spoke to them, saying: "When you are sick, heat a stone and put it where it hurts. You can also make fireplaces of me, and use me in the sweat lodges when you purify yourselves with the Cedar. I asked to be with my friend all the time, so tell the tribe to come and see us from time to time. Let them pray to us and offer us tobacco."