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I would say that in my culture
the most sacred ceremony would be the 13 moon ceremony,
not too be confused with a Plains Indian moon ceremony, because this ceremony is between a
Traditional eastern woodland native Indigenous women wishing to be trained by Creator and Creator,
to be the number one Clan mother by Creator, next would be the clan mother ceremony and so on.
However, no ceremony can take place without an alter.
Most American native Indigenous peoples use altars at different places and at different times,
I know that each sacred place in our past there is an alter,
like Indian leap falls,
Cauchegan rock village, Turtle hill burial grounds and so on.
All that said every traditional eastern woodland American native knows that everything on
Mother Earth is our altar, if one wishes to talk with Grandfather
Creator we just find
a tree, a wall, a room, whatever and talk, Creator is everywhere! |
Creator built an altar into my grandfather’s prayer rock and the prayer rock up on turtle hill burial
grounds.
The Elder
The Elder is given the title and recognition as Elder by other Elders of his/her respective community or
nation. They are selected based on their experience as mediators, their spiritual and traditional knowledge and their capacity
to pass on these experiences to others. One does not have to be a senior citizen to be an Elder. The gifted individual is
given the position of Elder by spiritual and human acceptance, and must commit to fulfill his/her responsibilities to ensure
that traditional values, principles and other teachings are passed along, and to provide instruction to help individuals live
in the right way. In the performance of these activities, the Elder may be assisted by an Elder’s Helper.
During ceremonies, Elders may choose to smudge prior to the others in a group or they may often be offered
a place of respect at the head of a line. When food is served, Elders are served before others in attendance.
Smudging is performed by many peoples in my nation. Tobacco or another sacred material such as herbs is
burned in a natural vessel such as a stone or claim shell. To evenly distribute the smudge and keep it burning, the Elder
may fan it with an eagle or any bird of prey feather. The smoke produced purifies those taking part in an event or meeting
and helps them focus on the task at hand. Participation in the ceremony of smudging is optional. If you choose not to participate,
remaining in the group and quietly observing is seen as a sign of respect.
No stigma is associated with not taking part. A small amount of tobacco smoke may linger in the area of
the ceremony for an hour or two. Participants with sensitivities to smoke can choose not to participate in these activities.
For many native peoples in North America, a sacred fire is lit and burned at important events including
gatherings, or family events such as the naming of a child.
The fire is used as a vehicle for participants to make tobacco offerings, and helps those taking part to
focus and connect to the event that is taking place a small pinch of tobacco is made available by elders for those who choose
to participate, for placement in the four corners in the circle as an offering
to the Creator.
The Circle is the oldest symbol of the world.
The Circle is a reminder
of our connections to Mother Earth. The sun, moon and planets travel in circles.
The Circle is the symbol of the heartbeat
of all people.
Circles have traditionally played an important role in Indigenous peoples
Pow-wow dancers and Round Dances usually travel in a circular pattern.
