In the U.S., there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes. They consist of a total population of nearly 2.3 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, as per the last census in 2020 (this number is much higher at 6.6 million when you consider those with a Native American heritage in combination with another race).
The history of the people of the American-Indian culture dates back to the time of the Paleo-Indians during the hunter-gatherer age. The original settlements possibly began as far back as 25,000 years ago, long before European colonization. Since then, there has been migration from and to various regions within the North American continent.
Understandably, this has led to the development of sophisticated societies. Over the millennia, many tribes have emerged with their own cultural, spiritual, and governing practices, dialects, and lifestyles. Languages alone extended beyond 300 in number before colonization, reflecting a rich diversity among tribal nations. That’s a level of diversity many people today would find hard to grasp.
And what about traditions? You can expect just as eclectic and unique Native American rituals to exist in Native American communities. These cultural traditions have been preserved and cherished for many generations, reflecting a deep connection to tribal culture.
In this article, we discuss six such fascinating traditions and their lesser-known significance to Indigenous Americans.
A Legacy of Culture and Influence
From the time of the first Native Americans, European settlers made contact with Indigenous peoples, which challenged tribal sovereignty. But at the same time, it highlighted the resilience of tribal society, as despite all the challenges, cultural practices, including art forms, traditional foods, and spiritual ceremonies, remained an integral part of life for native peoples.
Today, these traditions shape culture and identity in the present day, and also inspire the next generation for new heights and achievements.
During the Native American Heritage Month (November), Native Americans celebrate their diverse history, honoring their traditions and preservation of their rich American-Indian culture.
To know more about Native Americans and their history, visit Native American Netroots.
Native American Traditions That May Surprise You
1. Smudging Ceremonies
Smudging is an ancient practice in which the leaves of certain plants, like sage, sweetgrass, and cedar, are burned in a bowl to remove negative spirits and bless individuals, objects, and places. Many of the plants used in the ceremonies have antiseptic and healing properties, and their smoke is meant to cleanse and purify the mind and the spirit.
The ritual is typically carried out by a tribal elder or shaman while chanting a prayer. Beyond ceremonies, smudging can also be a daily practice in Native American culture, performed to cleanse a space and its residents.
But it’s not limited only to ceremonies and specific events (as when they believe there’s a presence of an evil spirit). In some Native American cultures, smudging is also a daily ritual performed at the beginning of the day to purify and bless a space and its residents.
2. Vision Quests
Referred to in various terms among most tribes (for example, hembleciya by the Lakota people), a vision quest usually signifies a young male’s transition into adulthood. It involves fasting for several days, living in isolation in a secluded place, and praying to the guardian spirits for guidance, courage, and protection. And the “vision” can appear in the form of a dream, an animal, an object, or some other symbolic representation, which the elders interpret.
This is a deeply personal and revered tradition that can lead to powerful spiritual revelations.
Note that the specific practices involved, however, can vary among tribes. In some communities, women also undertake vision quests.
3. The Stomp Dance
This is a traditional shuffle-and-stomp movement popular among several tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Choctaw, and Yuchi communities. The “stomp dance” is the English name, while the native term can vary depending on the dialect of the tribes. For example, the dance is called nikanikawe in the Shawnee language and opvnkv haco in the Muskogee language.
In some cultures, the stomp dance is associated with the Green Corn Ceremony and performed to celebrate the harvest in springtime.
While it may appear to be a lot of fun, the dance holds a profoundly sacred meaning for community members.
4. Sweat Lodge Ceremonies
These ceremonies are believed to have healing and purifying effects and have been conducted for many generations by Native Americans. They take place in a dome-shaped structure (often built with sticks and saplings and covered with heavy blankets or other thick material to create a dark chamber).
The ritual begins by heating stones and placing them in a pit inside the dome. Then, water is poured over the stones to create steam and intense heat within the dome.
The ceremony is led by an elder who guides the participants through chanting and rituals. The entire experience allows tribal members to cleanse, heal (both physically and spiritually), and connect with the sacred spirits.
5. Winter Counts
Numerous Native tribes (such as Mandan and Blackfeet) have maintained what is now known as a winter count (directly translated from waniyetu wowapi in the Lakota language)—a kind of historical calendar of important events that took place over the years. Although it’s no longer used by indigenous communities, it was a vital part of storytelling in the old days when narrating a tribe’s history.
A winter count was traditionally made from bison hides and indicated a series of years with one or two pictograms under each one. (The images symbolized the most significant event/s of that year.)
The records were highly treasured and kept by a keeper whom the elders had appointed.
6. The Pipe Ceremony
The pipe is long considered by Native Americans to be a sacred object that connects their world with that of the spirits. And the pipe ceremony is a prominent event that enables tribal members to communicate with the higher realms.
It’s hosted by the pipe keeper, who prepares the pipe for the ritual. The participants sit in a circle, and following the chanting of prayers, each individual gets to hold or smoke the sacred pipe to pass on their prayers and receive blessings from the spirits.
There are many traditions and beliefs associated with this ceremony. In Lakota culture, for instance, it’s known as chanunpa (or canupa)—one of the Seven Sacred Rites of the tribe.
Wrapping Up
With a history spanning tens of thousands of years, the Native American people have led complex and sophisticated civilizations that have evolved into what we see today in modern society.
Most Americans are only familiar with symbolic indigenous traditions like the drum circles and powwows. But there are many more fascinating rituals and practices that carry deep meaning for these communities.
Traditions such as the smudging ceremony, vision quests, stomp dances, winter counts, the sweat lodge, and pipe ceremony have been passed down through generations among Native American tribes with great reverence. These ritualistic practices have allowed Native communities to connect with the higher realms to heal, cleanse, reflect, thank, and seek guidance, while also celebrating life and getting closer to the natural environment in which they live.