The songs on this album speak about Apache life. To the Apache, they are a living reflection of the past in the present; to others, a way of seeing the timeless and universal link between man, creator and nature through Apache eyes. They are important for everyone since all people hearing this earth can benefit from their simple teachings. But they have special meaning for the Apache since they are one of the few remaining ways in which the strength and wisdom of the proud Apache heritage can be experience today and passed from generation to generation.

The Apache has no written language. Traditional and cultural values are passed through time in stories and songs. To the Apache, songs are medicine and singing is strength – strength to rediscover and recreate the Apache culture in the present and to preserve its past. A number of songs are very old and have already been forgotten by many of the Apache people. The songs must be kept alive so that the Apache tradition and its unique way of seeing in not lost to us all.

The Apache believe that when the world was created, the first Apache were given a set of rules on how to behave. The rules governed their relationship to the natural world and their interaction with one another. This reverence for nature and respect for each other, taught in ceremonies and songs, played a great part in evolving a song, closely knit society. Although there were many special ceremonies throughout the year which celebrated man's relationship with nature and his fellow man, the songs on this album were traditionally sung every day. They were a source of guidance, teaching, and, in some cases, entertainment to help the Apache people in their daily lives. The songs were sung at specific times of the day, from before sunrise until after sunset, and were often accompanied by special ceremonies.

Although they are traditional, these songs should not be considered relics of the past. It's disturbing to realize that, as the value of songs is increasingly ignored, and their messages of love of nature and respect for man are discounted, the Apache culture is diminished. Now, more than ever in these times of social ambivalence, the message of these songs must be remembered and passed on. The medicine of these songs is love, mutual respect, and awareness of a proud tradition. They are the strength of an enduring Apache culture.

THE SONGS:

Music and song are fundamental to the Apache way of life. The Apache believes that singing reinforces man's unity with himself and nature, and provides the strength and clearing thinking considered medicine against sickness, evil, and loss of power. Although these songs are infrequently performed in public, they were a part of the Apaches' traditional daily ritual. They impart a feeling of simple reverence for the natural world and quiet compassion for fellow human beings.

The Apache greet the sun as it rises in the morning. A chanted prayer is sung to the creator who lives in the sun, asking for a blessing for the day. The prayer asks for strength and power to protect everyone from any evil thoughts which might influence their lives. The chant is sung facing the east. As the chant is recited, the singer sprinkles yellow pollen on four directions. Beginning the day with an offering to the sun creates the inner peace and good feeling necessary to face any problems of the day.

The Apache depend upon the earth, and show great respect and reverence for nature and all of its creatures. There are songs that remind everyone of the story of the the creation, telling about the dawn of time, the wakening, and the first people walking the earth. These songs also speak of consciously creating a positive way of life, by working to remove the propensity to dwell on the negative from the body leaving one more receptive to good in the world. The act of looking for good in life is said to cause good to be found.

Many songs deal with the creation of the earth. They speak of the world as it was in the beginning, and the universal force that shaped life as it is today. The Apache believe that the earth and all life on it evolved from the sun. The creator in the sun provided four legs to support the earth and his creations on it. These four foundations are called ga'an, the Apache Mountain Spirits. They represent the four directions and the four colors of the earth associated with the directions: East is black, South is blue, West is yellow, and North is white.

The rain has special meaning for the Apache. They ask, in song, for the rain to come, and for showers to cover all creation. The rain nourishes the earth, its people, and all growing things. Showers which fall in the shape of a curtain of rain are symbolic, and special ceremonial prayers are sung to them. The rain brings life.

Herbs are gathered for their curative powers to provide spiritual and physical well-being. The ability to identify important plants, where to find them and how to use them is useful knowledge. A special ceremonial prayer usually accompanies the use of herbs. The prayer is recited as a winding line is drawn in the dirt, leading up to where an herb is growing. Observing the ceremony assures that the herbs will bring strength and the ability to successfully cope with the problems of life.

Identity and affiliation are important to the Apache. If one's identity is weakened or lost, their direction, strength and pride are also diminished. Certain songs daily reaffirm the Apache's affiliation with his clan, and its identity with a sacred place. To know one's personal, sacred landmark is to know the direction from which one comes. This referential knowledge imparts strength and pride.

When a person walks the earth during their life. The Apache believe that someone is straightening out the path ahead of them. The path is swept clean of trouble with two fluffy eagle feathers, one with a blue stone for a male, and the other, a white stone for the female. This enables the person to live his life, free of conflict and strife.

An Apache girl achieves womanhood in a ceremony called the "Gift of Changing Woman." Changing Woman was the first woman on earth. She lived through the great flood which destroyed the earth, and everything on it, by sealing herself inside an abalone shell. The ceremony recreates the sacred legend of the metamorphosis of Changing Woman. In the final stages of the ceremony, the girl becomes White Painted Lady. She is painted with a mixture of different colors from the earth as the ceremonial songs are sung. The painting, itself, is performed in a way to represent the snake, or lightning.

As the sun sets, the creator is thanked for another day that has ended peacefully and without suffering. The setting sun takes with it any problems or conflicts that may have occurred during the day. The attention and prayers sung to the creator at the beginning and the end of the day produce a sense of unity with the natural worlds, and power, through awareness of its patterns.

It is said that before a person is ready to go forward in life, he must know the right paths to follow. To know the right way, the person meets with the creator in the sun, where tests and advice are given. The power of these teachings, which tie experience, and knowledge of the inexperienced together, prepare the person for everything that might be encountered in life.

Although these songs belong to the Apache, there are many ideas in their lessons that span all cultures. The Apache believe that their lessons are for all human beings and that all can benefit from them. One of the most basic tenets of Apache culture is that the true Apache does not see color of skin as he looks out on the world of man. He sees only people sharing this earth, who, if they listen to the message of the songs, will learn to live in peace with each other, and in harmony with their surroundings.

One week after the recording session was finished, a very important celebration was also held at Seneca Lake, Arizona. Since some of the songs appearing on this album are part of that ceremony, we want to offer an acknowledgement. "The Gift of Changing Woman" ceremonial, held October 2-5, 1980, honored Miss Arvella Matt. She is the daughter of Patsy and Delbert Matt, the niece of Philip Cassadore, and is now part of the family of Nella and Wally Ben, her godparents. We feel very fortunate to have been able to use this sacred site for our recording, and our heartfelt congratulations go to Arvella and her family.