Legends to Think About

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

Is Talking Story A Lost Art?

It was a bright, sunny Sunday, temperature close to 35 below. I happened to notice a spectacular stand of mountain ash trees by the side of the road. My photographer husband Richard and I weren't very far from home, so we must have driven past this spot at least 20 times since the last snowfall. Neither one of us had noticed these trees, or how beautifully they were dressed.

It would have been easier to head for the warmth of the fireplace, but I urged Rick to stop. We trudged through the snowbank to take a closer look. The clusters of berries were topped off with a dollop of snow, perfectly balanced and quite spectacular. The lighting was perfect for a great photo to add to our northern Ontario collection.

For once, the camera was not in the car. "Tomorrow, we'll come back for the shot." Tomorrow? Why not now? Do it now.

How often do we pay attention in a sorta-kinda-way? In fact, we talked about the legend of the mountain ash berries and neither of us could get it right. You know, when there are lots of berries - that means that it's going to be a severe winter?

Three important points here:

1. Stop! The mundane everyday sightings are important in our lives. Stop the rush...hush. Show our children how to appreciate peaceful.... quiet.....wonderfully ordinary but spectacular things.

2. When you have the opportunity to capture a memory, do it now.

3. Dig into the real story. Legends are the vehicles for building community and culture. Northwestern Ontario is a treasure chest of history and legend, yet when we have to remember the details, much of the richness is lost. Skimming and scanning...not good enough...

The photos captured the scenery, but they needed the story. Curiosity finally got the better of me, so I researched the Legend of the Mountain Ash Berries. Enjoy!

The mountain ash berry legend is closely connected to Northwestern Ontario. The legend is that the more berries on the tree, the more severe the winter will be.

Many years ago during a harsh winter, even before the land became known as Canada, birds and animals lay dying in the snow. Ojibwa hunters realized that this could also happen to their peoples, so they offered prayers to the great Manitou. The Great Spirit answered them. They were instructed to take one drop of blood from every dead bird and small animal; they were to smear the blood on a tree that meant life and death to the people. As the Mountain Ash was the tree that was used to make their bows and arrows, they chose it and began to follow the advice of the Great Spirit.

In the morning, the trees were heavy with red berries. The birds and animals that had survived were happily feeding themselves. The Indians danced into the night, giving thanks to Manitou. Manitou, in return, gave his promise that he would create abundance with the mountain ash berries whenever winter burdened the lives of any creatures.

Source: www.firstpeople.us

May you enjoy the re-discovery of local legends and folklore, the peace of the woods and hills, the power of great spirits and the laughter of others as you "talk story".

From the beautiful northern bush,

Maggie and Rick

PS For more photos and stories, check out "Sleep Around Lake Superior" at http://www.lakesuperiornews.com/ and this blog's archives!