Handsome Lake

Handsome Lake cropped portrait

Handsome Lake (Seneca: Sganyodaiyo) was a Seneca religious leader and prophet of the Iroquois Confederacy. He was born in 1735 in the Seneca village of Canawaugus, near present-day Avon, New York. Handsome Lake played a significant role in the revitalization of traditional Iroquois culture and religion during a period of great upheaval and change.

Early Life

Handsome Lake was born into the Seneca tribe, one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. His early life was marked by the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, which brought significant disruption to the Iroquois way of life. Handsome Lake struggled with alcoholism and personal difficulties during his early years.

Vision and Religious Movement

In 1799, Handsome Lake experienced a series of visions while he was gravely ill. These visions, which he believed were messages from the Great Spirit, led to his recovery and the beginning of his role as a prophet. Handsome Lake's teachings, known as the Code of Handsome Lake, combined traditional Iroquois beliefs with new moral and social guidelines. His message emphasized the importance of family, sobriety, and adherence to traditional customs.

The Code of Handsome Lake

The Code of Handsome Lake is a set of spiritual and moral teachings that Handsome Lake shared with his people. It addressed issues such as alcoholism, family values, and the preservation of Iroquois culture. The code also incorporated elements of Christianity, reflecting the influence of European settlers. Handsome Lake's teachings were recorded by his followers and continue to be an important part of Iroquois religious practice.

Legacy

Handsome Lake's influence extended beyond his lifetime. His teachings helped to preserve and revitalize Iroquois culture during a time of significant change. The Longhouse Religion, which is based on the Code of Handsome Lake, remains an important aspect of Iroquois spirituality today. Handsome Lake is remembered as a key figure in the history of the Iroquois Confederacy and Native American religious movements.

See Also

• Iroquois Confederacy
• Seneca people
• Longhouse Religion
• Great Spirit
• American Revolutionary War
• French and Indian War