Kumeyaay - The Clothes Burning Ceremony

By : Carol Banegas
Kumeyaay

This Clothes Burning Ceremony was witnessed by T.T. Waterman in the early 1900's.

On the day of the ceremony friends and family gather and the first night is spent wailing the loss of the loved one. On the following night a large fire is built and everyone dances around it circling in one direction and then the other. The man who is designated in charge of the ceremony, assisted by one or two others, bring the deceased person's clothes. Certain songs are sung. After three songs are completed everyone faces the fire and all at once the clothes, baskets and other property of the deceased are thrown on the fire. If a stranger takes a stick and turns over the clothes so they will burn better, the relatives of the deceased come and give him gifts such as baskets and small jars. The rites are finished when all have danced until the fire burns out.

The Clothes Burning Ceremony is still practiced among the Kumeyaay today. The ceremony usually takes place three days after the death of a tribal member. The family gathers in the manner described above. This is a very private ceremony. Afterward a large spread of food is served for those who came to pay respects.

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