Native Spirituality
-Sacred Items, Songs, Ceremonies, Traditions and Rituals
Ceremonies
Ceremonies are the primary vehicles of religious expression. A ceremonial
leader or Elder assures authenticity and integrity of religious observances.
Nothing is written down, as the very writing would negate the significance of
the ceremony. Teachings are therefore passed on from Elder to Elder in a
strictly oral tradition.
Elders
Elders may be either men or women. Their most distinguishing characteristic
is wisdom which relates directly to experience and age. There are exceptions.
Elders need not be "old". Sometimes the spirit of the Great Creator chooses to
imbue a young native. Elders' spiritual gifts differ. Some may interpret dreams.
Others may be skilful in herbal remedies or be healers during a sweat lodge
ceremony, and so on.
Prayers
Natives communicate with the Great Creator and spirit helpers through prayers
offered at individual or group ceremonies.
Pipes
Pipes are used during both private and group ceremonies, the prayer itself
being wafted through the smoke of the burning plant material. Pipes are of no
set length. Some stems may or may not be decorated with beads or leather. Others
may be elaborately carved with bowls inlaid with silver. Bowls may be of wood,
soapstone, inlaid or carved in the form of various totemic power animals (an
eagle with folded wings) or another sacred animal.
The pipe is disassembled into its component parts while being carried from
one place to another. The pipe is never a "personal possession". It belongs to
the community. The holder of the pipe is generally considered its custodian.
While every native has the right to hold the pipe, in practise, the privilege
must be earned in some religious way. The pipe is usually passed on to another
custodian under specific fasting and cleansing rite regulations. There are pipes
exclusively used by either men or women. Men's pipes become unclean if touched
by women and vice-versa.
Pipe Ceremony
Pipe ceremonies constitute the primary group gatherings over which Elders
preside. Participants gather in a circle. A braid of sweetgrass (one of four
sacred plants) is lit and burnt as an incense to purify worshippers, before the
pipe is lit. Burning sweetgrass also symbolizes unity, the coming together of
many hearts and minds as one person.
The Elder strikes a match, puts it to the end of the sweetgrass braid and
fans the smouldering grass with an eagle's feather, to encourage smoke
production. The Elder then goes from person to person in the circle where the
smoke is drawn four times by hand gestures toward the head and down the body.
The Elder must fan the glowing end to keep it burning properly or the material
loses its spark.
The Elder then places tobacco in the pipe and offers it in the four sacred
directions of the compass. Some Western tribes begin by making an offering to
the West. Eastern Natives may propitiate the Spirit of the East whence comes the
light of the sun at daybreak, who also gives guidance, direction and
enlightenment. Then the Elder faces South where the guardian spirit of growth
presides after winter is over. Next is West, the direction of the spirit gateway
where reside the souls of those who have left this plane of existence. The
spirit of the North concerned with healing and purification is then
addressed.
Spirits will be asked for assistance in the main prayer, which may be
specifically for one individual, a participant in the circle or for someone far
away or someone who has passed over. The pipe, passed from person to person in
the circle, might be offered to all creation, to those invisible spirit helpers
who are always there to guide humanity. The last of the tobacco is offered to
the Great Creator.
Another version of the Pipe Ceremony is the Sacred Circle which essentially
follows the same procedures, but also allows a time period for individual
participants to address the assembly.
Fasting
Fasting is a time-honoured way of quickening spirituality in which a growing
number of Natives are partaking. An Elder provides the necessary ceremonial
setting and conditions to guide the fasting member. Fasting means the total
renunciation of food and drink for a specified time period. Health
considerations are evaluated by both the Elder responsible and a physician prior
to the fast.
Sweat Lodges
Used mainly for communal prayer purposes, the Sweat Lodge may also provide
necessary ceremonial settings for spiritual healing, purification, as well as
fasting. Most fasts require a sweat ceremony before and after the event.
Lodge construction varies from tribe to tribe. Generally, it is an
igloo-shaped structure about five feet high, built in about one and a half hours
from bent willow branches tied together with twine. The structure is then
encased in blankets to preclude all light. A maximum of eight participants
gather in the dark.
In the centre, there is a holy, consecrated virginal section of ground
(untrampled by feet and untouched by waste material) blessed by an Elder with
tobacco and sweetgrass. There, red hot stones heated in a fire outside the lodge
are brought in and doused with water. A doorkeeper on the outside opens the
lodge door four times, contributing four additional hot rocks (representing the
four sacred directions) to the centre. A prepared pipe is also brought in.
Sweat Lodges may be dismantled after the ceremony is over, but often, they
are left standing to accommodate the next ceremony. Lodges may only be entered
in the presence of an Elder.
Feasting
Some ceremonies such as "doctoring” sweat require the participant to eat a
meal. There are specific rituals requiring special foods. Sacred food for the
Ojibway for instance consist of wild rice, corn, strawberries and deer meat.
Typical feast foods for the Cree from the prairies would be Bannock (Indian
Bread), soup, wild game and fruit (particularly Saskatoon berries or mashed
choke cherries). For a West Coast Indian, sacred foods might include fish
prepared in a special way. Although foods may differ, their symbolic importance
remains the same.
Rattles
Rattles are shaken to call up the spirit of life when someone is sick. The
Elder also uses a rattle to summon the spirits governing the four directions to
help participants who are seeking spiritual and physical cleansing to start a
"new" life during a sweat lodge ceremony.
Drums
Drums represent the heartbeat of the nation, the pulse of the universe.
Different sizes are used depending on "doctoring" or ceremonial purposes. Drums
are sacred objects. Each drum has keeper to ensure no-one approaches it under
the influence of alcohol or drugs. During ceremonies, no one may reach across it
or place extraneous objects on it.
Eagle Whistles
When a dancer approaches a drum and blows an eagle bone whistle, the drum
group responds by singing an appropriate song. The whistle is blown four times
to honour the drums, the dancers and the spirit of the eagle. Four verses are
sung, one for each time the whistle is blown. Large pow-wows have strict rules
around how often this may occur during a pow-wow session.
Herbs / lncense
Sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco encompass the four sacred plants. Burning
these is a sign of deep spirituality in Native practises. Cedar and sage are
burned to drive out negative forces when prayer is offered. Sweetgrass, which
signifies kindness, is burned to invite good spirits to enter. Participants also
use these purification rituals to smudge regalia, drums and other articles
before taking part in a pow-wow.
The four plants are used in both individual and group ceremonies. Each plant
was originally given to a specific tribe. Now they are used together or singly
as incense which is generally ignited in an abalone shell or another type of
container to be passed from person to person in the circle.
Medicine Pouches
Prescribed by an Elder, plant material can also be worn in a medicine pouch
by a person seeking the mercy and protection of the spirits of the Four
Directions. Elders caution Natives not to conceal any other substances in their
pouches. To do so would make a mockery of their beliefs.
Peyote, a hallucinogenic material used by Natives in some parts of the US,
historically is usually not considered a part of the Canadian Native culture.
Other herbs and dried animal parts (diamond willow fungus, dried/powdered beaver
testicles and buffalo droppings) are some other materials that may be burnt in
ceremonial functions.
Ceremonial Rituals
Pow-wow
Some say the name is derived from the Algonkian word meaning "to dream".
Pow-wow an ancient tradition among aboriginal peoples, is a time for celebrating
and socializing after religious ceremonies. In some cultures, the pow-wow itself
was a religious event, when families held naming and honouring ceremonies.
Giveaway
For instance, a family celebrating a member's formal entry into the dance
circle, or wishing to commemorate the death of a loved one, often hosts a
giveaway during a pow-wow. This tradition embodies the value of sharing with
others. Gifts such as blankets, beadwork and crafts are given to friends and
visitors followed by appropriate songs and dances.
Today
Today's pow-wow is more of a social event, although honour ceremonies and
other religious observances remain important parts of the celebration. Dancing,
feasting and having fun, the old ways are remembered and pride is taken in
traditional heritage as old friendships are renewed and new ones begun. Elders
say that coming together in a joyous spirit is an important unifying and healing
experience which brings together many nations in a celebration of life.
Honour Songs
Honour songs, as their name implies, are requested to honour particular
individuals. Spectators should always stand and remove caps and hats when an
honour song is intoned. The traditional pow-wow is more conducive to socializing
and is not as demanding for participants. The hosts share the prizes with all
registered singers and dancers. Whether competitive or traditional, pow-wows
still bring people of all nations together in a celebration of life.
Grand Entry
Spectators should always stand and remove caps or hats during Grand Entry,
Flag Songs and the Invocation. This beautiful parade of pride and colour starts
off the pow-wow and each subsequent session of dancing. Preceded by the Eagle
Staff, invited dignitaries and various categories of dancers join in the Grand
Entry and dance to a special song rendered by the drum groups, following the
path of the sun through the sky. The line-up is as follows: Eagle Staff, Flag
bearers, dignitaries and princesses, men's traditional, grass and fancy dancers,
followed by women's traditional, jingle and fancy dancers, youth and children in
categorical order. All competitors must participate or risk losing points and/or
elimination if they don't.
Eagle Staff
The Eagle Staff is an important symbol to many North American tribes. The
eagle represents the Thunderbird spirits of the supernatural world who care for
the inhabitants of our physical world. Qualities such as farsightedness,
strength, speed, beauty and kindness are attributed to the eagle, which never
kills wantonly, only to feed itself and its family. The Eagle Staff symbolizes
reverence for the Creator and all of life
Invocation
Any significant event is initiated with words of prayer by a respected Elder.
Traditionally, First Nations never had "priests" as such but rather spiritual
leaders. They are often offered tobacco with a request for prayer indicating
respect and honour for that person and the higher power. Hunters and gatherers
frequently expressed their gratitude with tobacco to show respect for the life
they had taken.
Flag Songs
The respect shown to veterans or warriors is an integral part of Native
culture, a tradition that harks back to the times when tribal welfare depended
on warriors. In a society based on collectivity, veterans are honoured for
self-sacrifice to their cause and their willingness to die so that others may
live. Special songs are sung to honour veterans who fought under these flags.
Veterans are also honoured as flag bearers, by being called upon to retrieve
dropped eagle feathers and through various veterans' songs. Dropping an eagle's
feather is serious business during a pow-wow. Retrieving it involves a ceremony
- overseen by an Elder or respected spiritual leaders and/or warriors
(veterans). All spectators should rise and remove hats or caps. No cameras may
be used at this time.
Source:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/abo-aut/spirit-spiritualite-eng.htm
Ceremonies are the primary vehicles of religious expression. A ceremonial
leader or Elder assures authenticity and integrity of religious observances.
Nothing is written down, as the very writing would negate the significance of
the ceremony. Teachings are therefore passed on from Elder to Elder in a
strictly oral tradition.
Elders
Elders may be either men or women. Their most distinguishing characteristic
is wisdom which relates directly to experience and age. There are exceptions.
Elders need not be "old". Sometimes the spirit of the Great Creator chooses to
imbue a young native. Elders' spiritual gifts differ. Some may interpret dreams.
Others may be skilful in herbal remedies or be healers during a sweat lodge
ceremony, and so on.
Prayers
Natives communicate with the Great Creator and spirit helpers through prayers
offered at individual or group ceremonies.
Pipes
Pipes are used during both private and group ceremonies, the prayer itself
being wafted through the smoke of the burning plant material. Pipes are of no
set length. Some stems may or may not be decorated with beads or leather. Others
may be elaborately carved with bowls inlaid with silver. Bowls may be of wood,
soapstone, inlaid or carved in the form of various totemic power animals (an
eagle with folded wings) or another sacred animal.
The pipe is disassembled into its component parts while being carried from
one place to another. The pipe is never a "personal possession". It belongs to
the community. The holder of the pipe is generally considered its custodian.
While every native has the right to hold the pipe, in practise, the privilege
must be earned in some religious way. The pipe is usually passed on to another
custodian under specific fasting and cleansing rite regulations. There are pipes
exclusively used by either men or women. Men's pipes become unclean if touched
by women and vice-versa.
Pipe Ceremony
Pipe ceremonies constitute the primary group gatherings over which Elders
preside. Participants gather in a circle. A braid of sweetgrass (one of four
sacred plants) is lit and burnt as an incense to purify worshippers, before the
pipe is lit. Burning sweetgrass also symbolizes unity, the coming together of
many hearts and minds as one person.
The Elder strikes a match, puts it to the end of the sweetgrass braid and
fans the smouldering grass with an eagle's feather, to encourage smoke
production. The Elder then goes from person to person in the circle where the
smoke is drawn four times by hand gestures toward the head and down the body.
The Elder must fan the glowing end to keep it burning properly or the material
loses its spark.
The Elder then places tobacco in the pipe and offers it in the four sacred
directions of the compass. Some Western tribes begin by making an offering to
the West. Eastern Natives may propitiate the Spirit of the East whence comes the
light of the sun at daybreak, who also gives guidance, direction and
enlightenment. Then the Elder faces South where the guardian spirit of growth
presides after winter is over. Next is West, the direction of the spirit gateway
where reside the souls of those who have left this plane of existence. The
spirit of the North concerned with healing and purification is then
addressed.
Spirits will be asked for assistance in the main prayer, which may be
specifically for one individual, a participant in the circle or for someone far
away or someone who has passed over. The pipe, passed from person to person in
the circle, might be offered to all creation, to those invisible spirit helpers
who are always there to guide humanity. The last of the tobacco is offered to
the Great Creator.
Another version of the Pipe Ceremony is the Sacred Circle which essentially
follows the same procedures, but also allows a time period for individual
participants to address the assembly.
Fasting
Fasting is a time-honoured way of quickening spirituality in which a growing
number of Natives are partaking. An Elder provides the necessary ceremonial
setting and conditions to guide the fasting member. Fasting means the total
renunciation of food and drink for a specified time period. Health
considerations are evaluated by both the Elder responsible and a physician prior
to the fast.
Sweat Lodges
Used mainly for communal prayer purposes, the Sweat Lodge may also provide
necessary ceremonial settings for spiritual healing, purification, as well as
fasting. Most fasts require a sweat ceremony before and after the event.
Lodge construction varies from tribe to tribe. Generally, it is an
igloo-shaped structure about five feet high, built in about one and a half hours
from bent willow branches tied together with twine. The structure is then
encased in blankets to preclude all light. A maximum of eight participants
gather in the dark.
In the centre, there is a holy, consecrated virginal section of ground
(untrampled by feet and untouched by waste material) blessed by an Elder with
tobacco and sweetgrass. There, red hot stones heated in a fire outside the lodge
are brought in and doused with water. A doorkeeper on the outside opens the
lodge door four times, contributing four additional hot rocks (representing the
four sacred directions) to the centre. A prepared pipe is also brought in.
Sweat Lodges may be dismantled after the ceremony is over, but often, they
are left standing to accommodate the next ceremony. Lodges may only be entered
in the presence of an Elder.
Feasting
Some ceremonies such as "doctoring” sweat require the participant to eat a
meal. There are specific rituals requiring special foods. Sacred food for the
Ojibway for instance consist of wild rice, corn, strawberries and deer meat.
Typical feast foods for the Cree from the prairies would be Bannock (Indian
Bread), soup, wild game and fruit (particularly Saskatoon berries or mashed
choke cherries). For a West Coast Indian, sacred foods might include fish
prepared in a special way. Although foods may differ, their symbolic importance
remains the same.
Rattles
Rattles are shaken to call up the spirit of life when someone is sick. The
Elder also uses a rattle to summon the spirits governing the four directions to
help participants who are seeking spiritual and physical cleansing to start a
"new" life during a sweat lodge ceremony.
Drums
Drums represent the heartbeat of the nation, the pulse of the universe.
Different sizes are used depending on "doctoring" or ceremonial purposes. Drums
are sacred objects. Each drum has keeper to ensure no-one approaches it under
the influence of alcohol or drugs. During ceremonies, no one may reach across it
or place extraneous objects on it.
Eagle Whistles
When a dancer approaches a drum and blows an eagle bone whistle, the drum
group responds by singing an appropriate song. The whistle is blown four times
to honour the drums, the dancers and the spirit of the eagle. Four verses are
sung, one for each time the whistle is blown. Large pow-wows have strict rules
around how often this may occur during a pow-wow session.
Herbs / lncense
Sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco encompass the four sacred plants. Burning
these is a sign of deep spirituality in Native practises. Cedar and sage are
burned to drive out negative forces when prayer is offered. Sweetgrass, which
signifies kindness, is burned to invite good spirits to enter. Participants also
use these purification rituals to smudge regalia, drums and other articles
before taking part in a pow-wow.
The four plants are used in both individual and group ceremonies. Each plant
was originally given to a specific tribe. Now they are used together or singly
as incense which is generally ignited in an abalone shell or another type of
container to be passed from person to person in the circle.
Medicine Pouches
Prescribed by an Elder, plant material can also be worn in a medicine pouch
by a person seeking the mercy and protection of the spirits of the Four
Directions. Elders caution Natives not to conceal any other substances in their
pouches. To do so would make a mockery of their beliefs.
Peyote, a hallucinogenic material used by Natives in some parts of the US,
historically is usually not considered a part of the Canadian Native culture.
Other herbs and dried animal parts (diamond willow fungus, dried/powdered beaver
testicles and buffalo droppings) are some other materials that may be burnt in
ceremonial functions.
Ceremonial Rituals
Pow-wow
Some say the name is derived from the Algonkian word meaning "to dream".
Pow-wow an ancient tradition among aboriginal peoples, is a time for celebrating
and socializing after religious ceremonies. In some cultures, the pow-wow itself
was a religious event, when families held naming and honouring ceremonies.
Giveaway
For instance, a family celebrating a member's formal entry into the dance
circle, or wishing to commemorate the death of a loved one, often hosts a
giveaway during a pow-wow. This tradition embodies the value of sharing with
others. Gifts such as blankets, beadwork and crafts are given to friends and
visitors followed by appropriate songs and dances.
Today
Today's pow-wow is more of a social event, although honour ceremonies and
other religious observances remain important parts of the celebration. Dancing,
feasting and having fun, the old ways are remembered and pride is taken in
traditional heritage as old friendships are renewed and new ones begun. Elders
say that coming together in a joyous spirit is an important unifying and healing
experience which brings together many nations in a celebration of life.
Honour Songs
Honour songs, as their name implies, are requested to honour particular
individuals. Spectators should always stand and remove caps and hats when an
honour song is intoned. The traditional pow-wow is more conducive to socializing
and is not as demanding for participants. The hosts share the prizes with all
registered singers and dancers. Whether competitive or traditional, pow-wows
still bring people of all nations together in a celebration of life.
Grand Entry
Spectators should always stand and remove caps or hats during Grand Entry,
Flag Songs and the Invocation. This beautiful parade of pride and colour starts
off the pow-wow and each subsequent session of dancing. Preceded by the Eagle
Staff, invited dignitaries and various categories of dancers join in the Grand
Entry and dance to a special song rendered by the drum groups, following the
path of the sun through the sky. The line-up is as follows: Eagle Staff, Flag
bearers, dignitaries and princesses, men's traditional, grass and fancy dancers,
followed by women's traditional, jingle and fancy dancers, youth and children in
categorical order. All competitors must participate or risk losing points and/or
elimination if they don't.
Eagle Staff
The Eagle Staff is an important symbol to many North American tribes. The
eagle represents the Thunderbird spirits of the supernatural world who care for
the inhabitants of our physical world. Qualities such as farsightedness,
strength, speed, beauty and kindness are attributed to the eagle, which never
kills wantonly, only to feed itself and its family. The Eagle Staff symbolizes
reverence for the Creator and all of life
Invocation
Any significant event is initiated with words of prayer by a respected Elder.
Traditionally, First Nations never had "priests" as such but rather spiritual
leaders. They are often offered tobacco with a request for prayer indicating
respect and honour for that person and the higher power. Hunters and gatherers
frequently expressed their gratitude with tobacco to show respect for the life
they had taken.
Flag Songs
The respect shown to veterans or warriors is an integral part of Native
culture, a tradition that harks back to the times when tribal welfare depended
on warriors. In a society based on collectivity, veterans are honoured for
self-sacrifice to their cause and their willingness to die so that others may
live. Special songs are sung to honour veterans who fought under these flags.
Veterans are also honoured as flag bearers, by being called upon to retrieve
dropped eagle feathers and through various veterans' songs. Dropping an eagle's
feather is serious business during a pow-wow. Retrieving it involves a ceremony
- overseen by an Elder or respected spiritual leaders and/or warriors
(veterans). All spectators should rise and remove hats or caps. No cameras may
be used at this time.
Source:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/abo-aut/spirit-spiritualite-eng.htm