Victor, N.Y. (WHAM) – As the Rochester-Finger Lakes region anticipates the April 8 total solar eclipse drawing thousands of spectators, some will be gazing at the skies for a more profound significance.
“For the Haudenosaunee people, an eclipse serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment when they received a message: The Great Law of Peace,” shared Michael Galban, the historic site manager at the Ganondagan State Historic Site. “This significant event unfolded within the Seneca territory, encompassing the Genesee River Valley and surrounding lands.”
Approximately 1,000 years ago, the Haudenosaunee community established one of the earliest democracies in North America after enduring prolonged conflicts among tribes.
“The five original tribes that united to form this confederation were perpetually engaged in warfare,” explained Perry Ground, a professional storyteller and member of the Turtle Clan from the Onondaga Nation. “In the presence of the ‘Peacemaker,’ who orchestrated our alliance, we were instructed to observe the sky for a symbolic message.”
The five nations include the Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Seneca, later joined by the Tuscarora tribe who returned to the region in the early 1700s.
The celestial event that persuaded them to embrace the message of peace was a solar eclipse.
“When the sun vanished, they interpreted it as a sign to come together,” Ground added. “Subsequently, he managed to rally other tribes to unify and establish the Haudenosaunee nation.”
Per Ground, this eclipse is believed to have occurred in the year 1142.
“The sun is referred to as one of the ‘Great Warriors,’ the uncle, and eclipsing it symbolically represents a call to halt warfare,” Galban elaborated. “To the Seneca people, a solar eclipse signified an essential message, urging them to promote and embrace the enduring peace cherished for generations.”
Galban aspires for onlookers to grasp this profound message during the extraordinary event.
“It is vital to comprehend how the Haudenosaunee people perceived the eclipse as a tangible representation of a profound peace,” Galban stated. “We can reflect on how we can cultivate and nurture peace during turbulent times.”
Ground will be recounting eclipse stories at the Ganondagan on Saturday. For more information on registration, click here.
The Ganondagan will also host an eclipse event on April 8.
Don’t miss “Solar Spectacle” on 13WHAM ABC this Friday at 7:30 p.m., offering an in-depth look at the Rochester area’s preparations for the upcoming eclipse and showcasing special events across the region.