The Wishtoyo Chumash Village in Malibu hosted a Fall Equinox Ceremony on Sunday. Locals and visitors gathered at the village, picnicked, walked the sacred grounds and participated in an ancient ceremony welcoming the fall season. The sunset ceremony began with a grand entrance led by Chumash ceremonial elder Mati Waiya.
Waiya said, “The fall equinox is a time of transition, a time of change, and a time to remember the spirit of loved ones that we carry within us.” Guests joined the ceremony by offering a prayer with the gift of tobacco and circling the fire before returning to their seats.
![Traditional Aps, authentic Chumash dwelling, are throughout the Wishtoyo Chumash Village with artifacts [whale bones] at the entrance, and inside the dwelling space.](https://i0.wp.com/malibutimes.com/wp-content/uploads/./2014/09/26/35b1764865c3abd73c8b0e433f06e269.jpg?ssl=1 "35b1764865c3abd73c8b0e433f06e269.jpg")
Traditional Aps, authentic Chumash dwelling, are throughout the Wishtoyo Chumash Village with artifacts [whale bones] at the entrance, and inside the dwelling space.
Sev Tonga hangs a piece of traditional dance clothing, Regalia, in one of the Aps.
Locals and visitors gather for the Fall Equinox Ceremony in the banque, a ceremonial gathering circle, at the Wishtoyo Chumash Village on Sunday evening.
Chumash ceremonial elder Mati Waiya performs a prayer ceremony to welcome in the fall season at sunset on Sunday.