It may seem strange to introduce a ghost story, albeit a
local Waterloo Region legend, on St. Valentine’s Day. I would argue that it is
actually quite fitting considering the history of St. Valentine’s Day, itself.
As far as St. Valentine is concerned, he is recognized as a
third century cleric (some sources say bishop) who was martyred by the Roman Emperor
Claudius II on February 14, 278 A.D. for performing secret marriages For more information
see: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/st-valentine-beheaded
As for our story, it is an "aboriginal" legend about the
origin of Oromocto Spring. The spring still exists, running through an area
that has had its name changed many times over the years—originally it was known
as Attiwandron Park and later Cressman’s Woods. Today, we know it as Homer Watson
Park in Doon (part of Kitchener, ON). For your viewing pleasure, I am including here
a link to a video from a local photographer, Don Drews, whose work has
consistently and beautifully captured the allure of the little known natural
heritage beauty that surrounds our Region. This video is aptly entitled "Hiking Cressman's Woods."
It seems that a young
Attiwandron girl, named Nashwaaksis, decided to warn another tribe (the Petuns)
about the impending approach of their enemies, the warring Iroquois. In order to warn them, she had to travel on foot from the Doon area to a site near Elmira— where the Petuns
were currently/seasonally camped. It so happened that Nashwaaksis
was in love with a Petun warrior by the name of Oromocto, who was, because he was a member of the Petuns, in great danger from the Iroquois. As Nashwaaksis and Oromocto
were from different tribes, they were not really able to meet openly
with each other so their love affair was a secret one. Because
she was going to warn the Petuns, she was able to meet with her
lover--in person--on the pretence that she was on a reconnaissance mission from
her tribe (which so happened that she was). The last time that the lovers met, and much to their misfortune, they stumbled
upon the encroaching Iroquois near the site of Doon. Oromocto fought valiantly but was quickly
slain in battle--Nashwaaksis was inconsolable and overcome by her grief, she died. The
Attirwondron tribe members claimed both of the bodies in order to honour them for their valiant deaths
and as they did so, a spring burst forth from the earth--on the same spot
where they had died. To the Attirwondron, this was a great sign. Of the spring, they said that the water in it was “as clear as the character of beautiful Nashwaaksis...and cold as the heart
of the Iroquois.”
Since then, many visitors to the area have said that when you walk in the area of the spring you can still hear Nashwaaksis crying for her lost love, Oromocto. There have been sightings of a young aboriginal woman, wandering and crying as she walks along the banks of the Grand River as if she is searching for someone. Other accounts state that she is heard in the soft breezes of the blowing wind--when one barely catches the sound of a soft, mournful sob. And then there are those, it is said, who have heard her cries of grief in the water, itself, as it babbles over stones and rocks.
Since then, many visitors to the area have said that when you walk in the area of the spring you can still hear Nashwaaksis crying for her lost love, Oromocto. There have been sightings of a young aboriginal woman, wandering and crying as she walks along the banks of the Grand River as if she is searching for someone. Other accounts state that she is heard in the soft breezes of the blowing wind--when one barely catches the sound of a soft, mournful sob. And then there are those, it is said, who have heard her cries of grief in the water, itself, as it babbles over stones and rocks.
P.S. It is interesting to note the "power of the press." The legend first appeared locally, in print, in a 1917 newspaper article that was designed to promote the "new" park and to boost the WWI war effort locally. It should be noted that the names and details of the legend per se are not documented in aboriginal folklore--locally or otherwise. Also, it would not be the first time that a ghost story was "just made up" for one reason or another.....either way, I present it at face value and for an interesting twist for consideration on Valentine's Day. I kinda like this story, regardless....
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