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Berry is held on the new moon closest to the spring equinox and falls in either the North or East Quadrant of the Square. It is symbolized by the North Cabin and the Northeast gate of the Square.It is always a time of great joy for our People. We are filled with joy because the Dark Days are over and winters’ back has been broken. This is the time when the Fire is brought back to the Square and we thank the Creator for preserving us through winter and ask his blessing upon the planting of the corn. This is the time when women place their dark day bundles in the hearth fire, releasing the burdens of the dark days so that they may be able to receive the blessings of renewed life promised by Spring and plant the corn in hope, faith, and expectation of a bountiful harvest.
Berry is thus a time of preparation for both the Muskogee New Year soon to come and planting the crops which ensure a bountiful harvest and prosperous new year. It is for this reason that it is at this High Holiday that the women receive seed bundles from the men which are blessed by the Fire and Berry Ceremony.
Berry is also the beginning of our corn fast. Our people will not eat corn again until after the first fruits offering of fresh corn to the fire at Green Corn. This is both in honor of our ancestors who seldom had any usable corn left by this time of the year; and to keep ever in our minds the approach of Green Corn and our dependence upon Hesaketemese to bring the corn to fruition.
First-time visitors please message or call us for driving directions and other important information. Nene Hutke is an open grounds, which means you do not need an invitation to attend. However, we do ask first time visitors to communicate with us before the ceremony so you will know what to bring, wear, and expect.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Nene Hutke, 719 McKeown Rd, Chattahoochee, FL 32324, United States,Chattahoochee, Florida
