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.