AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Moon, Sun, and Stars
National Capital Area Council

Chief: (Stands with arms folded across chest and says "Ugh"

Sun: (Covers eyes with hands)

Moon:  (Frames face with hands and smiles)

Stars: (Blink rapidly)

Long, long ago the Indians had no fire and no light.  They suffered much during the cold of winter and they had to eat their food uncooked.  They also had to live in darkness because there was no light.

There was no Sun, Moon, and Stars in the sky.  A great Chief kept them locked up in a box.  He took great pride in the thought that he alone had light.  This great Chief had a beautiful daughter of whom he was also proud.  She was much beloved by all the Indians of the tribe.

In those days the raven had the powers of magic.  He was a great friend of the Indians and the Indian Chief.  He wondered how he might make life more comfortable for them.

One day he saw the daughter of the Chief come down to the brook for a drink.  He had an idea.  He would put a magic spell on her.  In time, a son was born to the daughter of the Chief.  The old Chief was delighted and as the boy grew, his grandfather became devoted to him.  Anything he wanted he could have.

One day he asked the old Chief for a box containing the Stars.  Reluctantly the old Chief gave it to him.  The child played for a while by rolling the box around.  Then he released the Stars and flung them into the sky.  The Indians were delighted.  This was some light, though not quite enough.

After a few days the child asked for the box containing the Moon.  Again the old Chief hesitated by finally the boy got what he wanted.  Again, after playing awhile with the box, the boy released the Moon and flung it into the sky.  The tribesmen were overjoyed.  But still there was not light enough, and the Moon disappeared for long periods.

Finally the child asked for the box with the Sun.  "No" said the old Chief.  "I cannot give you that."  But the boy wept and pleaded.  The old Chief could not stand the tears, so he gave the box to him.  As soon as he had a chance, the child released the Sun and cast it into the sky.

The joy of the Indians knew no bounds.  Here was light enough and heat as well.  They ordered a feast of the Sun and all the Indians celebrated it with great jubilation.  And the old Chief was happy.  He had no known the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars could mean so much for the comfort and happiness of his people.  And for the first time, he too, enjoyed himself.