Begin forwarded message:
From: hing <[log in to unmask]>
Date: June 4, 2006 1:11:49 PM EDT
To: Pamela Crossley <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: fire worship
Dear Pamela,
Fire occupies a very important place in the spiritual and domestic life of the Orochen. There are many myths relating to the fire spirit, who is portrayed as an old woman and commonly addressed as Gulum-ta. In the spatial organization of the 'sierranju', which is the conical tent (like a tipi) they live in, the domestic hearth/fire is situated in the very centre of the living space (for obvious reason). The Orochen make a simple ritual offering to gulum-ta, usually by pouring alcohol into the fire, before partaking of their meal. There are also taboos associated with treatment of fire - for instance, it is not allowed to thrust sharp objects or pour water into the fire which will cause harm to the spirit (there is a myth about this). When they move camp the Orochen characteristically allow the fire to die down naturally, for to extinguish any other way means disrespect to the fire and will incur gulum-ta's displeasure. Fire is at the centre of all domestic and communal occasions as well. Whenever there is a gathering the Orochen dance and sing around the fire. indeed, I should think that fire must occupy a very prominent position in all north Asian indigenous traditions, for it is what separates 'culture' from 'nature', 'cooked' from 'raw'.
Hing
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