The bells rung loud and clear, as a group of love, peace and amity supporters celebrated Tammany Day, this first day of May, right here in Philadelphia. It’s been a long, long time since last May’s festivities, but thanks to the Old City Civic Association, once again Saint Tamanend , a symbol for native-born Americans, was recognized.
At Tamanend Statue, May 1, 2012
Through generations Tamanend has been adored and highly regarded for his virtues of integrity, ethics, honor, value, justice, as well as equality for the common individual.
Why May 1st.?
The earliest May Day activities came out in pre-Christian times, along with the celebrations, get togethers, customs or other activities around that period. The actual day has been a traditional summer time festive in numerous pre-Christian European civilizations. February 1 was the very first day of Spring, May 1 was the very first day associated with summer season; therefore, the summer solstice about June 25 ended up being Midsummer. The term solstice originates from Latin sol – sun, and sistere – to stand still. May 1 is the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 244 days left over till the conclusion of the year.
Throughout the world, presentation of the occasion has varied between civilizations, but the majorities have kept a sign of acknowledgement around that period.
May Day had also been commemorated by early European settlers of the American nation.
And it all started here in Philadelphia because of its governmental importance through the beginning of the United States of America. Tammany quickly grew to become a nationwide symbolic representation throughout most of the freshly shaped nation.
TAMANEND, has been Native American chief of the Delawares, (Lenape Indians), and has been variously named Temane, Tamenand, Taminent, Tameny, as well as Tammany. It was Tamanend and William Penn that cleared a way of establishing in a peaceful way a new Pennsylvania colony.
Commemorating Tamanend Day in Philadelphia
Throughout the subsequent century, many tales surrounded Tamanend and his awesome reputation deemed legendary proportions amongst the people of Philadelphia, who started to call him “King Tammany,” “Saint Tammany,” and the “Patron Saint of North America”.
People of Philadelphia furthermore organized Tammany society and a yearly Tammany festivity. All these practices quickly spread out throughout America. Because of Philadelphia’s importance during the actual founding of the United States of America, Tammany soon grew to become a nation’s icon throughout most of the newly created nation. Fraternal Tammany Societies endured throughout the eastern states.
In the eighteenth century, numerous stories surrounded Tamanend and his fame assumed mythical proportions among the people of Philadelphia. His recognition as a noble Indian native increased even though the Lenape had been pressed farther West.
Few Historical Facts:
* In 1810, President James Madison announced the Territory of Western Florida to become a portion of the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1811, William C. C. Claiborne, the 1st American territorial Governor of Louisiana, named the area north of Lake Pontchartrain as ‘‘St. Tammany Parish’’ in recognition of the Saint Tamanend. In 2003, the Parish Council approved a resolution assigning May 1, 2003, as St. Tammany Day, and advocating the restoration of May 1st as a nationwide day of acknowledgement for Tamanend.
In the United States Congress, a concurrent resolution was proposed in the House and passed by the Senate agreed “That Congress supports the goals and ideals of St. Tammany Day as a national day of acknowledgement for Tamanend and the values he represented.”
* USS Delaware wooden war ship – constructed in Norfolk, Virginia, and launched in 1820. Its figurehead was a bust of Tamanend. USS Delaware was sunk in 1861, but for some reason the figurehead has been recovered. It was taken to Annapolis, Maryland to the Naval Academy. Midshipmen began using the statue as a good luck charm. Eventually the wooden figure started to decay and disintegrate. In 1906 the classmates of 1891 had the figurine meticulously forged in bronze. The bronze statue was presented in 1930. It stands today at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
* The Schuylkill Fishing Company, founded in 1732, originated its privileges from a grant created by Tammany. May 1, the beginning of the actual fishing season, was “King Tammany’s Day”. Their motto, “Kawania ehe Keekeru”, has been Delaware for “This is my right, I will defend it”. In 1888, Daniel Garrison Brinton and Horatio Hale uncovered it was really Iroquoian for “I am master wherever I am”.
I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. – Wm Penn
Our group at Tamanend statue.
Leaving a rose at the footsteps of Wm Penn.
Under the Elm Tree in Haverford, Pa
Under Elm Tree in Haverford College.
Planting of a Peace Elm Tree.
Love is indeed Heaven upon Earth; since Heaven above would not be Heaven without it: For where there is not Love; there is Fear: But perfect Love casts out Fear.
Love is above all; and when it prevails in us all, we shall all be Lovely, and in Love with God and one with another. – Wm Penn
Schedule of the Celebration of Hope:
It will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012. It’s open to All and All are welcome.
8:30am — Gathering in the Penn Treaty Park.
9:00am – Leaving the Park; start of the 11 miles walk.
2:00pm – arriving at Haverford College; gathering under a descendant of the Great Elm Tree, where celebration will take place.
Walking 11 miles is not necessary; you’re very welcome to join us at any point.
If you’re not walking, Join us for the Celebration at 2:00pm at Haverford College in Haverford, Pa.
* PENN TREATY PARK:
located at the intersection of Delaware Ave and Beach St, just off Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19125
* HAVERFORD COLLEGE:
located just off Rt.30 ; 370 Lancaster Ave. Haverford, Pa 19041
The Truly Amazing Elm Tree agreement at Shackamaxon perceived right before heaven and earth William Penn and Chief Tamanend representing their unique nations, created the understanding of peacefulness, friendship along with love. This assembly was not to trade or even acquire any territory but to rejoice and confirm the friendly relationship of love and dedication. Next towards the moving rich waters of the Delaware River and beneath the outstretched boughs of a Great Elm tree has been recognized what has been known as the Great Treaty. Reviewing out of books relates this history regarding the agreement created among these two nations as:
Great Elm Tree at Haverford Collage
There endures just the basic oral custom concerning the actual Great Elm, and the certain recollections associated with an aged woman that stated to have got seen the actual event as a youthful young lady. The woman recalled it strongly not due to the fact she recognized at the time its historic importance: parleys with the Indians had been frequent situations on the frontier in those days. She remembered it clearly due to the fact Penn had been the handsomest person she had ever before experienced, prior to or even since. This woman furthermore informed of the special event following the actual agreement formalities concluded. The attractive Penn had been wondrous, his state of mind overflowing. He consumed the Indian meals with relish, and settled to learn their own language so he could communicate with his brand new friends personally.
And then something remarkable occurred that created the night even more unforgettable to the young girl. The Indians started dancing in celebration, to jump as well as jump with the throb of the drums, and to whoop and chant their particular unusual sounds.
Ultimately Penn could contain himself no longer. no occasion for dismal sternness. Then there he was, amazingly, there was Governor William Penn up dancing with the Indians, bouncing and screaming and wiggling as if trying to be more Indian than the Indians.
Turning from the wonder of the young lady at this good looking gentleman dancing with abandon, we can just picture the actual surprise of Penn’s party at this particular break of decorum. Had Penn completely taken depart of his senses?
For short lived time a few must have worried that Penn would remove off his garments to totally free his braches.
There was a time for dignity, and a time for ecstasy.
It is this agreement, the particular covenant created among these two nations that became a witness and an instance towards the nations when these two individuals’ communities accepted each other beneath the Great Elm on the banks of the awesome Delaware River: the Indians and the white man.
This had been a strong precedent which kept within its Genetics a value of all individuals. It talked of trust and unity. It spoke of hope. This has been the creating blocks of independence.
These two nations, represented by their particular leaders, William Penn and Chief Tamanend, created a agreement of peace, friendship and love, one with the other. An important strong dedication was exchanged face to face and heart to heart. It was the required component needed for maintaining both these nations together within a enduring relationship of common admiration and love.
Of this Great Treaty, Voltaire, the French author stated: “the only league made between those nations which was never sworn to by oath, and never violated.”
Let’s celebrate; March 24 will mark first anniversary of the Trail of Hope. Everybody is invited to join me in a commemorating walk this day from Penn Treaty Park to the descendent of Great Elm in Haverford. (11 miles)
Much more information to follow…. Come one, come all … Let’s Celebrate!
The Galleries at The Gershman Y 401 S. Broad st. Philadelphia, Pa 19147
“Corporeal” & “Trail of Hope”
RECEPTION: – THURSDAY, JANUARY- 19, from 6-8pm
January 6 – February 19, 2012
Alumni artists from The Center for Emerging Visual Artists:
Maria Anasazi, Susan Benarcik, Ava Blitz, Brooke Hine, and Leslie Speicher
Photographs of an amazing walk to Olkahoma: Peter Prusinowski
a.k.a., Image Whisperer
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holydays and a Wonderful New Year!
Every day should be like it is a holiday, being thankful, grateful and spending time with family, and looking with Hope to the future surrounded by Love.
May the true Spirit of the Season find you and fill your heart with health, joy, and abundance of happiness.
We all have different paths in life, but no matter where we go the Spirit of the Holyday brings back the beautiful moments and happy memories wherever we are.
To you and your family; Love, Peace and Amity this Holyday and always.
Ever since I’ve returned to Philadelphia, I’ve been tying up lose ends and acclimating to life after the Trail of Hope. Things have been quite busy since my return.
About a month ago I traveled back to Warsaw, Poland to visit my parents. I had a wonderful visit but my mind was captured by the reality of time. It was bittersweet to see my parents, succumbing to the inevitable power of old age. I was happy I could visit but sad I had to leave them when it was time to head back to America.
On October 21st, I held a photo exhibit, entitled “Fruits of Solitude,” at the Penn Treaty Park Museum which featured photos I took on the Trail. I had a great time talking with visitors about my experience. There will be another photography exhibit in early January.
I miss the peace and solitude I experienced while walking on the Trail. I am grateful I have these photos which instantly transport my mind to the vivid memories of walking, visiting and exploring 2,000 miles of life and history. Recently I’ve started jogging again. What magnificent feelings to have the wind blow my hair and the river flow by as my feet hit the solid ground! It is almost as if I am on the Trail again, walking mile after mile, taking in all I see.
The Trail of Hope may be complete but the spirit of the journey must be kept alive. I want to keep alit the flame of Hope and maintain the connections created throughout the Trail. Love, Peace and Amity can be a part of our everyday lives. We just have to believe in ourselves and live life with a purpose.
The principle of goodwill and friendship toward all men laid at the very root of William Penn beliefs.
Well before he left England, he was determined to treat Native Americans as brothers and win their confidence and friendship. It was his deep sense of humanity and conviction that Indians, no less than whites, were entitled to love and respect. Here’s a letter dated October 18, 1681 William Penn sent to the Indians:
“My Friends
There is one great God and power that has made the world and all things therein, to whom you and I and all people owe their being and well being, and to whom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in this world. This great God has written his law in our hearts, by which we are taught and commanded to love and help and do good to one another, and not to do harm and mischief one unto another. Now this great God has been pleased to make me concerned in your parts of the world, and the king of the country where I live has given unto ma a great province therein, but I desire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together as friends, else what would the great God say to us, who has made us not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world.
Now I would have you well observe, that I am very sensible of the unkindness and injustice that has been too much exercised towards you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought themselves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than be examples of justice and goodness unto you; which I hear has been matter of trouble to you and caused great grudgings and animosities, sometimes to the shedding of blood, which has made the great God angry.
But I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward you, and I desire to win and gain your love and friendship by a kind, just, and peaceable life; and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly. And if in anything any shall offend you or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an equal number of honest men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended against them.
I shall shortly come to you myself, at what time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these matters. In the meantime, I have sent my commissioners to treat with you about land and a firm league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to them and the people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent to you as a testimony of my good will to you and my resolution to live justly, peaceably, and friendly with you. I am your friend.
