Cherokee

            Our adventure to Cherokee was different than what I had expected. In my mind, I had imagined more residencies and less urbanization, along with a strong traditional vibe that filled the air everywhere you went. Instead, as we pulled into Cherokee, we drove along a strip of commercialized shops that appealed to the tourist mentality of a need for souvenirs and a false display of what it means to be a Native American. There were men dressed in extravagant head dresses and clothing that would be typical in an old western film, ready to dance if you paid them. This was not my ideal visual of first impressions as I arrived.

            Once we arrived to the museum and began walking around and reading all about the Cherokee lifestyle, history and struggle that their people endured, I began to gain a new sense of respect and understanding. The museum revealed a great amount of information, in fact too much to take in with just one visit, but I believe that they couldn’t have portrayed their story in a better way. Their use of visuals and artifacts was spectacular, especially the all too realistic characters on display that really captivated the Indian persona and physical attributes, making me feel as if I were actually back in time standing amidst a real native.

            After gaining such a large amount of knowledge about the Cherokee people’s past and struggle among the white man, I was able to look at the strip of tourist’s shops in a new light. Rather than having a sense of misunderstanding, I now understood that their use of commercial shops to appeal to the tourists is their way of fitting in and surviving in a white man’s world. It’s just another way in which they have adapted their lives in order to manage with their constant defeat and struggles they are constantly forced to face.

The Green Corn Ceremony

            On my previous blog I discussed in brief a few traditions found among the Cherokee. As I was researching, I came across another one of their customs called the Green Corn Ceremony, otherwise known as the busk (“to fast”). I was intrigued to gather more information regarding this annual traditional ceremony practiced by Indian tribes of the Southeast.

            Tribes such as the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Timucua, along with a few others perform this annual ceremony in celebration, along with appreciation of a successful corn crop. Corn was their single most important crop, therefore playing a significant role in their religious and ceremonial life. Corn harvesting typically fell upon the Big Ripening Moon (July-August), usually linked to the ripening of the second crop of corn, lasting a total of eight days in larger towns and only four in smaller ones.

            The renewal of life was seen as a sacred quest for spiritual purity and a time when people were to forgive debts, grudges, adultery, and all crimes (except for murder). It began when the first corn crop became edible, initiating the cleansing of the village by old fires being extinguished and worn pottery broken. In celebration, residents would fast, one form of attaining purity, and a significant component of the ritual. The Feather Dance is performed around the fire at the opening ceremonies in recognition of all Creation, along with an Old Woman’s Dance performed by the women to renew the relationship among women and plant life.

Traditions Among the Cherokee

            When one thinks of traditions, family and ritualistic activities come to mind. The definition of a tradition is a custom or belief that is passed on throughout generations over an extended period of time. A multitude of traditions and customs can be found among cultures around the world from beliefs to family routines. Because we will be visiting Cherokee this Friday, I figured it would be appropriate to take a closer look at some of the traditions found among the Cherokee people.

            A prime example of traditional beliefs can be found among the Cherokee, whose objective is to preserve their heritage and culture, in addition to their spirituality through story telling and ceremonies. The Cherokee people for many centuries understood Ye ho waah to be the Chief Supreme Being who was both God and King, occasionally appearing on earth as man.

            Another common practice among the Cherokee people involves the placement of cultural and business matters, which are conducted around the Council Fire. The fire pit used is at the same hallowed place where countless fires have been built for similar affairs and is built by a designated person known as the Fire Keeper, who builds the fire slightly higher each time. Another essential element that must be fulfilled with every fire is the incorporation of a bundle of twigs holding a sprig each of Hickory, Maple, Locust, Beech, Sycamore, Ash, and Oak.

            Weddings are another ritualistic tradition that can be found in practically every society around the world, yet they can be greatly diverse from one culture to another. Just as many celebrate weddings with food and feasts, the Cherokee did the same, but with a different agenda. The role genders play with food, along with the vitality for survival is portrayed through wedding ceremonies via the exchange of food among individuals.