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, a hero or trickster, who teaches culture,
proper behavior and provides sustenance to the tribe.
There are also spirits
which control the weather, spirits which interact with
humans, and others who inhabit the underworld. Simultaneously
the Creator and the spirits may be perceived as a single
spiritual force, as in the unity called Wakan-Tanka
by the Lakota and Dakota.
Creation: In
the beginning, the world was populated by many people. Most
were subsequently transformed into animals. thus feel a close
bond with animals Natives because of their shared human
ancestry. Dogs are excluded from this relationship. This bond
is shown in the frequent rituals in which animal behavior is
simulated. Each species has its deer who is larger than all
the others. master; for example, the deer have a master The
master of humans is the Creator.
Emergence of the
Tribe: This is a concept found extensively in the
Southwest. The universe is believed to consist of many dark,
underground layers through which the humans had to climb.
They emerged into the present world through a small hole in
the ground - the world's navel.
Sacred Texts:
Native traditions have been preserved as an oral tradition,
not in written form. As a result, traditions are often
updated and changed as a result of dreams and visions.
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 that humans return as ghosts, or that people go to an
other world. Others believe that nothing definitely can be
known about one's fate after this life. Combinations of
belief are common.
Cosmology: The
universe is understood as being composed of multiple layers,
with the natural world as a middle segment These layers are
thought to be 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.
Shamans:
Spirits may be encouraged to occupy the Shaman's body during
public lodge ceremonies. Drum beating and chanting aid this
process. The spirits are then asked to depart and perform the
needed acts. Other times, Shamans enter into a trance and
traverse the underworld or go great distances in this world
to seek lost possessions or healing.
Vision Quest:
Young boys before or at puberty are encouraged to enter into
a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. Girls
are not usually eligible for a quest. He separates himself
from the tribe and go to a wilderness area. The goal is to
receive a vision that will guide his development for the rest
of his life. They also seek to acquire a guardian spirit who
will be close and supportive for their lifetime.
Renewal
Celebrations: The Sun Dance amongst0 the Plains Natives is
perceived as a replay of the original creation. Its name is a
mistranslation of the Lakota sun gazing dance. Other
tribes use different names. It fulfilled many religious
purposes: to give thanks to the Creator, to pray for the
renewal of the people and earth, to promote health, etc. It
also gave an opportunity for people to socialize and renew
friendships with other groups. A sweat lodge purifies the
participants and readies them for lengthy fasting and
dancing. It was successfully suppressed in most tribes by the
Governments of the US and Canada. However, it survived
elsewhere and is now being increasingly celebrated.
Sweat Lodge:
This is a ritual of purification, of spiritual renewal and of
healing. It is sometimes used to educate the youth in Native
traditions. A sweat lodge is typically a small structure made
of a frame of saplings, covered with skins, canvas or
blanket. 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. As many as a dozen people can be accommodated in
some lodges.
Hunting ceremonies:
These involve the ritual treatment of a bear or other animal
after its killing during a successful hunt. The goal is to
appease its spirit and convince other animals to be willing
to be killed in the future.
Prophets: The
Abramic Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) trace
their development through a series of patriarchs and
prophets. Native religions do not have corresponding ancient
revered persons in their background. There have been a few
prophets among the Natives - the most famous being Handsome
Lake in the Iroquois Confederacy. However, they appeared
after the European invasion.
Traditional
housing: There were many variations across North America:
conical wigwams or tipis, long houses, and cliff dwellings.
The shape of the structure often represents a model of the
cosmos.
Shaman (pronounced SHAH-maan) is a word from the
language of the Tungus people of Siberia. A Shaman is a
man or woman who enters an altered state of consciousness
at will. The Shaman does this to contact and utilize an
ordinarily hidden reality to acquire knowledge, power and to
help others. The Shaman usually has at least one or more
spirits in his or her personal service.
