Nanomonestotse

Nanomonestotse is an autumn celebration of peace, observed within some Native American families. The word "nanomonestotse" (pronounced NAH-noh-MAH-nay-STOHT-say) means "peace" in the Cheyenne language.

Nanomonestotse Preparation begins on the third Monday of October. Nanomonestotse Celebration begins on the following Friday. The dates for 2009 are:

• Nanomonestotse Preparation = October 19, 2009.
• Nanomonestotse Celebration = October 23, 2009.

The traditional greeting is: "May peace dwell in our village." And the celebration meal centers around a circle of small model dwellings as a decoration on the table.

Origin and Traditions

Nanomonestotse traces its roots back to the early 1900s and a Native American woman named Marion Young, who is credited with passing the ideals of peace on to her descendants.

Beginning on the third Monday of October, family members begin several days of preparation for the celebration at the end of the week:

• Children build small models of traditional Native American dwellings.
• Adults spend time in self reflection. They discuss how their economic activity can better help others. They try to identify and reduce aspects of their lives that might harm others.
• All family members help prepare for the celebration meal.

Starting on Friday at the end of this week, the family has a Nanomonestotse Celebration meal. Some families celebrate on Friday, but others celebrate Saturday or Sunday if that is more convenient. Healthy food is served at the meal. The model houses are arranged around a candle as a centerpiece on the table. Families often invite some neighbors to join them for the meal. Sometimes small handmade gifts are exchanged.

During the week, friends and families greet other saying: "May peace dwell in our village." And others respond: "May peace dwell in our homes." or "May peace dwell in our hearts." or "May peace dwell in our world."

Symbolism and Education

Some families or classrooms have a different theme for each day of the week leading up to the celebration:

• Monday: "May peace dwell in our world." How can we work for peace in the world?
• Tuesday: "May peace dwell in our village." How can we improve our own neighborhood?
• Wednesday: "May peace dwell in our homes." How can we get along better with our family members?
• Thursday: "May peace dwell in our hearts." How can you improve your own habits?
• Friday: Nanomonestotse Celebration.

The centerpiece symbolizes the ideals of peace:

• Peace in our world: symbolized by the arrangement of the model houses in a circle.
• Peace in our village: symbolized by the group of model houses. Also symbolized by inviting neighbors to join the meal.
• Peace in our home: symbolized by each individual model house. Also symbolized by the family eating together.
• Peace in our hearts: symbolized by the flame of the candle. Also symbolized by the healthy food to nourish us body and soul.

[The author of this article releases it into worldwide public domain.]