essay

The religion of Handsome Lake: its origin and development

Symposium on local diversity in Iroquois cultureWashington, D.C. • Published In 1951 • Pages: 77-107

By: Deardorff, Merle H..

Abstract
This article presents a generalized account of the history and development of the Handsome Lake Religion, also known as the 'Good Word' or the 'Good Message,' at Cornplanter, near Warren, Pennsylvania. Although the article gives very little specific information on the tenets of the religion, it does establish the background for its introduction and growth among the Iroquois, and shows clearly how this new religion was able to flourish, unlike similar nativistic movements. The article clearly shows the effects of missionary doctrines on the Iroquois, and especially that of the Quakers on Handsome Lake.
Subjects
General character of religion
culture
Iroquois
HRAF PubDate
1996
Region
North America
Sub Region
Eastern Woodlands
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Businessperson
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1961
Field Date
1948
Coverage Date
ca. 1800
Coverage Place
Cornplanter, Pa., United States
Notes
Merle H. Deardorff
LCSH
Iroquois Indians