Ceremonial Foods

Origin of feasts Feasts are important to Sac and Fox people because it is a form of prayer and a way to speak to God and thank God for what we have in life. It is also a time of gathering. Sac and Fox people have clan feasts each spring, its origin began as a celebration that we survived winter and to welcome in the new season. Many families brought offerings of food to bless their families and those they love, this still happens today.

Creation story A long time ago before there was anything on this Earth, there were twelve brothers who came across an old couple. The couple asked each boy what they wanted. Each boy asked for something that would help the people. The couple told each boy that they could give the people what they want if they sacrifice their life on Earth.

The 12 brothers 1 asked for water 1 asked for a way to speak to God 1 asked for shelter 1 asked for prayer 1 asked for cleansing 1 asked for clean water 1 asked for companionship 1 asked for a connection within the sky 1 asked for a way to keep Earth healthy

3 brothers 3 brothers asked for a food so that their people would not starve. The couple told the brothers that the Creator’s favorite foods were corn, pumpkin and beans. Today those are the leading pots that we eat in feasts.

Animacy of certain foods Any food that is a food from a creation story is considered animate. Some foods that are ate during feasts are also animate. All other foods are inanimate.

Eating is an important component to Sac and Fox culture. It is a way to see loved ones that you haven’t seen in a while. It’s a form of offering prayer. It is a tradition that has been passed down for hundreds of years.

Ceremonial foods

Atâmina

Mashkochîthaki

Wâpikôna

Têhêmina

Ômîni

Penêwa

Peshikethiwa

Apenyêki

Wîyâtha

Wêshkîtâhi