The 40 Day Feast for Segundo Strongheart
It has been 40 days since the passing of Segundo Strongheart, husband of Ann Strongheart, Mudflatter and cofounder of Anonymous Bloggers. This message comes from Ann, and I will print her follow up piece when it is ready. Our best thoughts, wishes and prayers go out to Ann, little CC, and Segundo’s family and friends wherever they are.
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Well, according to Yup’ik customs/tradition it is time to honor and remember my husband Segundo. We will be having Segundo’s 40 day Feast here in Ugashik and in Nunam Iqua. The 40 day feast is held on the 40th day after Segundo passed away which is Saturday, September 26, 2009.
I knew that I needed to do this but then it occured to me. WHY do we do it? So I emailed my friend/elder Nicholas Tucker and asked. Here are our emails:
On Sep 13, 2009, Ann Strongheart wrote:
Waqaa Nick,
I know you are busy but I am hoping you could take time to answer a question for me.
OK as you know I have been on the Yukon for a little over 5 years now. And I have learned many of our traditions, some of our language and culture. I have been to several 40 day feasts but just realized I never asked why 40 days?
If you have time could you explain to me the reasoning behind 40 days? I am working on getting supplies in to here (Ugashik) for Gundo’s 40 day and if asked would like to be able to explain why a 40 day feast.
Quyana Cakneq for your help.
Ann
Nick Tucker wrote:
Waqaa:
The 40-day feast is fairly new and isn’t our Yup’ik traditional feast. It is a Russian Orthodox Catholic tradtion that the villages picked up. It is based on our Lord’s Ascension into heaven, forty days after Easter. It is a wonderful tradition that has been incorporated into our tradition. After all, Yup’iks have always believed in life after death, and even before Christianity, we believed in a place where there was no longer suffering, thirst and hunger; the other place was where you were forever hunger and thirsty. So, it made sense to incorporate this Christian truth into our tradition.
Nick
After Nick’s explanation I felt kind of foolish for not making the 40 day connection. So like I said we will be having Segundo’s 40 day feast here in Ugashik and in Nunam Iqua.
If you will recall after Segundo passed I asked people to “FEED” him. It is Yup’ik tradition that whenever we eat or drink anything, we share it with the ones that came before us and feed them. This can be done by taking a minute piece of each item we are going to eat and either placing it in a crack on the floor or placing it outside. Also just simply the gesture of doing so…pretending to give food to the person is adequate.
Every day, every meal Cecelia and I share it with Segundo. Cecelia and I say a little prayer and then I show Cecelia by taking a little bit of each of the foods on her high chair and telling her “SHARE SHARE DADDY.” Another way I will be sharing is by handing out gloves, socks and tobacco tomorrow at the feast. (yes I know what you’re thinking… TOBACCO?….but we aren’t the first culture that tobacco plays a huge part in traditions)
So for those of you that would like to participate you can do so by giving Segundo an offering as I described above.
Here is what we will be sharing with Segundo tomorrow at his 40 day feast:
Moose meatballs, rice, fry bread, cake and akutaq in addition to things that the villagers bring to this potluck dinner.
I would love to hear/read what y’all share with Segundo. SO if you are so inclined please SHARE with all of us what you fed my dear husband in the comments section below.
I will be doing a Part 2 to this post hopefully on Sunday that will include pictures and happenings here in Ugashik and Nunam Iqua.
Quyana Cakneq! I look forward to sharing this with you.
Ann Strongheart
Forever writing in the loving memory of my beloved Segundo
Ann: I’m not sure what’s on tomorrow’s menu, but whatever it is, I’ll share with your Segundo. I do crave bread and butter stackers on white bread, with mustard. Yes, that’s what I’ll share, hope he likes it. I know he’ll smile for sure at you and CC.
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Ann: stackers are pickles sliced length-wise
Ann, I happen to read this as I am ‘testing’ some just made fudge, but I will be sure to save a huge chunk for your Segundo. I will be making a lentil stew with a bit of everything you can grow in it, I know he will like that. We will have homemade bread and a little red wine. We will be happy to share a dinner with him.
It will be my pleasure to offer homemade , fresh ground, hazelnut fry cakes. We are all family..but never moreso..than when we honor loved ones. Peace.
Ann I am a bacon,lettuce,tomato burger person so that is what I share with your Segundo tomarrow (peace)
The sweetest of late summer melons, and the seeds will go into my garden.
My condolences to you Ann, yes, tradition is hard to understand. My grandmother is from Golovin. 4 days before she passed, I had a knock at my door at 2am. I wouldn’t open the door, I looked out the window and there was no one there. She died at 2pm 4 days later. I believe that she came to say good bye to me. After I heard of her passing I burned some food for her out in my drive way. I wish you and your girls well.
Ann, I don’t know what we’ll be eating tomorrow, but you can be sure I’ll be sharing whatever it is with Segundo.
Ann, It is a lovely tradition, and I will honor Segundo and your family tomorrow with whatever we serve. Blessings, friend.
I always loved that name “40 Day Feast”. I’ve heard it many times over the years in Southeast Alaska, but have never attended one. I thought they really went for 40 days, LOL! I thought, “These guys know how to throw a wake!”
I think of Segundo all the time, so I will share with him, too. I don’t have any floor cracks, though – I love that part! Oh well, outside is good, too. Will be thinking of you, also! I hope Gundo’s family has a good time, and many stories are told. He was a treasure of a man, and will always be missed.
Hot cinnamon rolls and a bowl of Bing cherries.
Hugs to Ann and her family.
Dear Ann: I’ll be making gobs of food over the weekend (Chicken Parmesan, Chili, Beef Stew, etc.) for my college-aged son to bring back to school with him. So, please find comfort knowing that he and his roomies will all share their meals with Segundo from CT. Hugs and love to you and CC and Gundo’s family.
And to MUYS–LOL. You crack me up every time I visit the ‘flats!
I will prepare a holiday dinner in honor of Segundo. Turkey with all the usual Thanksgiving dishes.
My dear husband comes home from yet another long trip tomorrow, and we will share with your dear husband our traditional welcome home roast chicken and potatoes.Probably a peach cobbler after – peace and love to you and your little beauty-
I’ll be having cabbage on Ann ~ an will certainly take time to honor the memory of your dear husband. In light & love….be well my friend.
I’ll be having salmon salad (jarred salmon, macaroni, sweet pickles, mayo) on crackers which I will gladly share. Peace.
Ann, I will be more than happy to share my meal with your, Segundo. I will be having bar-b-que ribs, garden salad and cheescake. Have to have my M&M’s with peanuts.
We are having Pueblo Green Chile Stew: browned pork rib eye chunks, yellow potatoes, chopped tomatoes, roasted diced green chiles (all CO foods) simmered in homemade chicken broth. The doggie will be confused- she feels all “bites” are for her.
I am also donating dog food at our church’s blessing of the animals on Sunday in your family’s name. My you feel the love and caring from all of us-
Our condolences once again Ann. Our family will be have chicken enchiladas and I will share your story with them, and then we will share our meal with Segundo.
I sort of smacked my head when I read the reasoning behind the 40 days……. being a Catholic, it should have struck me right away. Funny how things seem so obvious once explained.
You have many friends on this (and other) forums, and although we are scattered all over the world, please know that if there are things you and CC, or any of the other villagers need, be sure to let us know and each will do whatever we can to help any and all of you.
Thank you again for sharing.
There are so many beautiful traditions in all the worlds cultures. Sometimes seeing them with the eyes of an outsider is confusing but sometimes seeing broadens ones mental and spiritual senses, and that is good for all humanity.
Best wishes on a day that be both one of deep sorrow for a great lose and a day to step forward away from yesterday into the future.
Much love and respect to you and CC from all Mudflaters.
Dear Ann & CC
I always get up early & I always eat Cheerios first thing in the morning with my dog…Phoebe… & we would be delighted to include Segundo in our breakfast thoughts & I will make sure Phoebe doesn’t eat more than her share. My best to you & CC & the little one.
Ann, you have my condolences, first of all. My family will be having fresh cabbages, okra, tomatoes, corn on the cob, lemon pepper chicken and cornbread. We will definitely share this with Segundo. What a beautiful tradition.
It took me a while to decide what to leave Secundo. I at work EDT and drive home on Hwy 29 past the Manassas National Battlefield. There are numerous places to pull off and park. I’ll leave the last of my bread and cheese there, Should he ever visit, he’ll not go hungry.
Dearest Ann and CC: This will be a double day of remembrance for me, as the 26th is my mother’s birthday. She would have been 103 today. I wish I were there to share especially the fry bread and akutaq. Since it is harvest time here, and I don’t have a clue what I’m having to eat, I will raise a glass to the Strongheart family.
Eeeeeee.
Ann – I was eating breakfast as I was reading this (it’s 6:30 am here) so I shared some of my mac and cheese with Segundo. But I will think more as the day goes on what I want to share next with your beloved. I’m a gardener, and the season is drawing to a close. We are close to a frost this morning, (37 right now) and I’ll go through the garden picking the last of the little Sun Gold tomatoes. Your Segundo brought the gold of the sun into your life, and I’ll remember him with those. And when I turn the compost today I’ll remember that humus and humility have the same root. The earth accepts what is given to it and with humility turns it into simple food for the next generation. It’s with humility that we think of the mystery of our loved ones’ death, but know that they continue to feed us as we move forward, even as their own life is transformed – so I’ll think of Segundo too when I turn the compost and help it do its own work of transformation. Thank you for sharing this tradition with us – it’s very helpful to me. Grieving is so deep, and it helps so much to know that there are things we can do to honor the bonds of love that still hold us together. We are one people, and your grief is ours too. Blessings on you and your family and the loved ones in your community that will share this feast with you and Segundo.
CO – what a lovely tradition, donating food at the blessing of the animals. I’m going to talk to our minister about doing the same thing. So many people are having to give up their pets because they can’t afford them anymore, which breaks my heart to think of. We can give dog food for the food shelf.
dearest Ann and CC: it’s early here in Valrico Florida and I haven’t decided what I will eat today, but know that I will offer a bite of it all in his memory and say a prayer of thanks for both of yours heard work and dedication to your villages. Peace and courage dear friend– Denise
Here in Boston I am about to head off to a waffle feast my friend is having before opening up his garage sale to all and sundry. I will be sure to put a bit by (with real maple syrup!) for Segundo. Blessings to you and your family, Ann, throughout the coming winter.
I shared one of my delicate small crab cakes at the thai restaurant this afternoon with mango sauce.
I thought the Russian Orthodox believed the spirit remained with their loved ones for 40 days.
I will be sharing pancakes for the evening meal. Round steak and fries and garlic cheese bread for Segundo for lunch. Blessing to you and yours Ann. Peace.
Ann, I left this on the open thread, but realized you’re more likely to read it here: I shared my morning smoothie with the spirit of your beloved: blended berries (organic raspberries and Montana huckleberries), raw, organic, superfood powders (cacao, lucuma, mesquite, cinnamon), fresh local bee pollen, organic homemade hempseed mylk, alkaline blessed water, and love. I’ll also be sharing my salad with him later, and anything else I eat today. The smoothie was a lovely shade of purple; we eat colors, too! Love, health and peace to you, your family, your community, and mudpuppies everywhere!
I lift my glass of 12 year-old single malt Irish Whiskey to the sky, think of the man who gave you such love, and drink to life and love and connections and the circles of our lives. Slainte’
peace
Ann, Pinto beans and cornbread from a North Carolina reader for Segundo. My thoughts are with you.
Reposting from the Open Thread:
Zyxomma Says:
September 26th, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Ann Strongheart, if you’re reading this, I shared my morning smoothie with Segundo’s spirit — huckleberries, organic raspberries, organic hempseed mylk, and raw superfoods: red maca, cacao, lucuma, mesquite, cinnamon, ginger, and bee pollen w/a pinch of Himalayan pink salt. Hope he enjoyed it as much as I did, and I wish you, CC, the unborn, and your whole community health and peace.
Ann and CC, I share my bacon cheeseburger and fries with your Segundo. Later, I’ll share my apple pie and vanilla ice cream with him as well.
HUGS!
Today I shared clam chowder and a bowl of apple crisp with your dear one…and donated 2 dozen pair of socks and a dozen sets of gloves to a local homeless shelter….
Ann was in chat with us tonight and we shared food.
the dipping milkshakes were a bit strange…
Ann, I shared the best of what I ate yesterday with Segundo, out on my back porch:
a piece of a Honey Crisp apple and a piece of a small red unknown variety of apple
from my sister’s Michigan Upper Peninsula yard. I thought of you all so much up there
earlier this week, with the Iron River running red and fresh, and a buck and a doe
coming for the apples on the ground the night before we left. [they didnt come
the first night because my unfamiliar car was in the 'wrong place', according to my
sister]
From a Buddhist perspective, it is on the 49th day that a person’s consciousness
takes rebirth, seeing its prospective parents making love. It is much more complicated
and profound than that, but just to note that there are 49 day observances in our
tradition, and so say that whether or not that resonates with you, Segundo will return
in your children’s smiles and awareness, and in the love and generosity and kindness that you offer all the time.
LOL Justa…you’re just jealous b/c you never thought of it tee hee j/k
Quyana Cakneq all for sharing!!! Am working on a part 2 with pictures from here in Ugashik. Need to call home and find out what they did yesterday we had phone issues yesterday so I couldn’t call home then. Plus had to cook lots yesterday too. Was a long exhausting BUT satisfying day.
Ann S.
P.S. Justa’s reference to “dipping milkshakes” yesterday in chat we were talking about french fries and I mentioned that I like dipping my french fries in chocolate milkshake. Justa thought for certain this must be a very strange pregnancy craving but I told Justa that I had been doing that since high school LONG BEFORE pregnancy cravings LOL
It’s very nice to see people from all over the country helping the Strongheart family through the grieving process of the loss of a loved one. Compassion and strength ties us all together.
Thank you for the invitation.
It was sauteed mushrooms and scrambled eggs that we shared.
About the 40 days – I think that the period of time fits with human emotion, so honor the traditions: of resolve (Lent), of anticipation (Advent), and of memory (feasts after death).
Best wishes to you and your children in the coming months.
I have had an experience with my dog who had to be put down (he broke his spine). A few weeks later his spirit appeared in broad daylight. A bright sunny day.
When I spoke to the spectral visiter, he wagged his tail, smiled as he did in life and evaporated slowly, disintergrating.
As a result I believe that the spirit lingers after death. (It happened twice so it was not an illusion.)
I think this is such a loving way to remember those who we love, who have gone before us into the great unknown realms.
My condolances.
I shared this thought with others at a church picnic yesterday, and they too felt it was a valuable way to help those who remain, bear such a great loss.
My own husband died 16 years ago after a long and happy marriage, and I remember him every day.
What a wonderful name. Strongheart.