The Iroquois Constitution is a political document which Dekanawidah, someone who is presumed to be in high position, establishes the Iroquois Confederacy. Through the translation provided by Arthur C. Parker, it is inferred that the Iroquois had close-knit ties with the nature that surrounded them. A relationship is established between literature and place, nature’s influence on the lives of the Iroquois is clear because the people chose to centralize their government around it.
Foremost, the pillar of the constitution is the Tree of the Great Peace that was planted by
Dekanawidah, who named it the Tree of Long Leaves. Under it, any and all affairs concerning the Five Nations will be handled. It provides shelter for people who originated outside of the Five Nations, as long as the agree to obey the laws laid down …show more content…
In order to prevent disaster from striking down the Iroquois, an eagle is nestled at the top of the Tree of Long Leaves. This eagle, sharp-eyed and alert, would warn the Iroquois of approaching evils so they may protect themselves. On its warning the council would light a fire to inform their allies.The eagle encapsulates alertness and security. “Why an eagle?” One may wonder, the reason is likely to be that it is indigenous to the area and the bird of prey’s pure strength and swiftness are desirable traits in a protector. With this bit of information, there is nothing more worthy to guard the Iroquois’ sacred tree― their government, their order, their great peace.
In conclusion, the relationship between the Iroquois Constitution and place is clear.
Nature is the basis of the Iroquois’ confederacy, with the Tree of Long Leaves being the keystone and the Great White Roots and eagle being the supports that keep the government they created from falling apart and crashing into the dirt. Giving nature such key roles in their confederacy is indicative of just how much the Iroquois treasured their
Foremost, the pillar of the constitution is the Tree of the Great Peace that was planted by
Dekanawidah, who named it the Tree of Long Leaves. Under it, any and all affairs concerning the Five Nations will be handled. It provides shelter for people who originated outside of the Five Nations, as long as the agree to obey the laws laid down …show more content…
In order to prevent disaster from striking down the Iroquois, an eagle is nestled at the top of the Tree of Long Leaves. This eagle, sharp-eyed and alert, would warn the Iroquois of approaching evils so they may protect themselves. On its warning the council would light a fire to inform their allies.The eagle encapsulates alertness and security. “Why an eagle?” One may wonder, the reason is likely to be that it is indigenous to the area and the bird of prey’s pure strength and swiftness are desirable traits in a protector. With this bit of information, there is nothing more worthy to guard the Iroquois’ sacred tree― their government, their order, their great peace.
In conclusion, the relationship between the Iroquois Constitution and place is clear.
Nature is the basis of the Iroquois’ confederacy, with the Tree of Long Leaves being the keystone and the Great White Roots and eagle being the supports that keep the government they created from falling apart and crashing into the dirt. Giving nature such key roles in their confederacy is indicative of just how much the Iroquois treasured their