General Customs and beliefs of Native Americans

• Dance – played a very important role in tribes. People danced for many occasions and ceremonies. Weddings were usually very festive and many tribes celebrated the harvest. One of the most important crops was corn, so the corn harvest was often celebrated through dance. Usually people danced and chanted to the beat of the drum. There was a sun and rain dance. Shamans sometimes used to dance to call the spirits to heal the sick and wounded – during these festivals the people painted their faces white to represent happiness
• Believed in the Great Spirit – who had power over all things including animals, trees, stones, clouds etc. The earth was believed to be the mother of all spirits. The sun had great power also.
• They prayed individually and in groups – believed that visions in dreams came from he spirits. The medicine man or Shaman was trained in healing the sick and interpreting signs and dreams.
• Knew a lot about healing and natural medicine. The medicine included herms but also spirits. Believed that people should live in harmony with nature and that you heal by returning people to that harmony. Most tribes had special medicine men and women who did the healing – sometimes called Shamans. They used a lot of herbs to heal – usually used as tea but were sometimes burned and the smoke was used as the healer. Also did cleansing and purification – did most healing in a “sweat lodge” – which is kind of like a sauna. Believed that smoke and steam would clean them of diseases. Had a lot of ceremonies as well.
• Most tribes believed that the souls of the dead passed into a spirit world and became part of the spiritual forces that influenced every aspect of their lies. Many believed in 2 souls: 1 that died when the body died and one that might wander on and eventually die.
• Cut their hair/selves when mourning
• Responsible for the design of the kayak, toboggan, showshoe, oral contraceptive, over 200 drugs derived from native remedies
• Most sacred substance = tobacco
• Religious traditions tend to be heavily influenced by their methods of acquiring food, whether by hunting wild animals or by agricultures. – their rituals and belief show a blending of interest in promoting and preserving their hunting and horticulture.
• Deity – A common concept is that of a dual divinity: a Creator who is responsible for the creation of the world and is recognized in religious ritual and prayers. A mythical individual who teaches culture, proper behavior and provides sustenance to the tribe
• Creation – In some tribes there is the belief that in the beginning, the world was populated by many people. Most were transformed into animals which is why a lot of natives feel a close bond with animals (due to their shared human ancestry) – this bond is shown in the rituals in which animal behavior is simulated. Each species has its master – the animal who is the biggest. The master of humans is the Creator.
• Afterlife – In general, Native religions have no precise belief about life after death. Some believe in reincarnation, with a person being reborn either as a human or animal after death. Others believe in alternate worlds and ghosts.
• Believe that the universe is made of multiple layers. The natural world has the middle segment. These layers are linked by the World Tree, which has its roots in the underground, has a trunk passing through the natural world and has its top in the sky world.
• Young boys before or during puberty are encouraged to enter into a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. Girls are usually not eligible for this kind of quest. The boy separates himself from the tribe and goes into a secluded area in the wilderness. The goal is to achieve a vision during this adventure which will guide his development for the rest of his life. They also seek to acquire a guardian spirit who will be close to them and supportive of them for their lifetime.
• The Sun Dance is perceived as a replay of the original creation. It fulfills many religious purposes – to give thanks to the Creator, to pray for the renewal of the people and earth, to promote health etc.
• The sweat lodge – a structure which generates hot moist air/steam, similar to a Swedish sauna. Used for rituals of purification for spiritual renewal and of healing. Made of a frame of saplings, covered with skins, canvas, blankets etc. A depression is dug in the center into which hot rocks are positioned. Water is thrown on the rocks to create steam. A small flap opening is used to regulate the temperature.