sewatihsthonkón:ti
The Mohawk phrase for "rest in peace" is sewatihsthonkón:ti.
This verb is used as a blessing or an expression of hope.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
Did you know?
- In many Haudenosaunee traditions, the concept behind such blessings is not just about silence or lack of movement, but about the continuous harmony of the soul within the community's spiritual landscape.
- In the context of the Great Law of Peace, words relating to 'peace' often carry a weight of political and social stability, stretching the meaning of the blessing beyond the individual to the community.
- Mohawk is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like sewatihsthonkón:ti can function as an entire sentence in English.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a cemetery.
- KateriHihsthonkón:ti tsi.He is resting.
- TekakwithaSewatihsthonkón:ti.Rest in peace.
- KateriHane tsi.Yes, he is.
- TekakwithaSata' we:tón:ne.It is very sad.
