Handsome Lake - Definition and Overview

Handsome Lake (1735?-1815), half-brother of Cornplanter, was a religious leader of the Seneca tribe. After a near fatal illness around 1800, Handsome Lake began professing the instructions he had been given in three visions, in what came to be known as the Code of Handsome Lake. He encouraged the adoption of certain traditions of the European settlers, such as European-style farming and housing, while also telling his people to retain their traditional dress and to reject alcohol. Handsome Lake encouraged Christian-style confessions of sin, but also the practice of traditional Indian dances, as well as the use of magic for good purposes. In addition to his moral instructions Handsome Lake delivered a series of prophecies about the end of the world and the signs that would signal it. Handsome Lake gained a strong following among his people, despite being discouraged by Christian missionaries. He also went to Washington D.C. to speak with Thomas Jefferson of his people and his beliefs. His teachings are still followed today and are the foundation for the Longhouse religion.

External links

Text of letter from Thomas Jefferson to Handsome Lake (http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/jeffind2.htm)