Mnomneké-Gizes (Ricing Moon)
Marking the end of summer is Mnomneké-Gizes (Ricing Moon), when Bodéwadmi and other Nishnabé travel to their annual wild rice camps for harvest. Harvest is a time to strengthen community bonds, connect with and bring balance to Segmekwé (Mother Earth).
A sacred and essential food, mnomen was and is still eaten throughout the year. Highly nutritious, it was traditionally the first solid food given to a baby and one of the last foods served to elders as they walked on. Wild rice can also be used medicinally for the treatment of burns, heart and stomach ailments, and spiritually in ceremonies.
We thank Creator for providing us with the good seed, and to our relatives in the Great Lakes for preserving and sustaining our mnomen customs.
Citations
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center
