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Handsome Lake While Cornplanter's half brother Handsome Lake lived at Cornplanter's Grant, he founded a new religion. It emphasized a revitalization of the traditional seasonal ceremonies, a strengthening of the family, and a prohibition against liquor. Handsome Lake's teachings were based on a series of visions. Dreams were an important instrument for revelation, and visions were received as divine prophecies. In 1799, Handsome Lake had the first in a series of visions while lying in his bed deathly ill. A messenger from the Creator appeared to him, giving him instructions for the Iroquois. Handsome Lake recovered and preached these messages to the Seneca in what became known as the Code of Handsome Lake. Iroquois people traveled many miles to hear his message, and every year the prophet traveled to other Iroquois settlements teaching his code. After Handsome Lake's death in 1815, his teachings continued to spread and became the foundation for the Longhouse religion. Still a vital force, this religion plays an important role in preserving the Iroquois' sacred and cultural heritage.
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