Aboriginal Spirituality Rituals and Symbols
Rituals
Spirituality Everything is sacred and connected All life is a manifestation of spiritual reality Prayer is an important part of aboriginal spiritual practices Recognize God’s greatness and to express thanks for all creations/gifts Prayers are sung/spoken from the heart
Smudging 'smudge' is a slang term when describing the four plants as a group; Four sacred plants: sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco. Sacred herbs are burned and then smoke is brushed or washed over the eyes, mouth, ears, hands, heart, and whole being Ashes are returned back to the earth in an area where they will not be walked on Used to purify people/places A sacred act that opens many important events: powwow, wedding, healing meetings; anywhere people are gathered together in a good way.
Sacred Pipe Ceremony Aka peace pipe Symbolizes unity and harmony in the world Before lighting, the pipe carrier prays that the whole universe be transferred to the pipe; when lit, everything is dissolved into the cosmic unity of the Great Spirit Stresses oneness and unity of all creation The stone bowl represents truth, the stem represents the way we are to live in harmony with all creation
Sweat Lodge Aims to purify the body, mind, heart, spirit Aims to restore relationships with self, others, the Creator, and all of creation Considered a sacred place of spiritual refuge and healing “Womb of Mother Earth” Heated rocks are used during the ceremony and the elder pour water onto the rocks to create steam Return to the “womb” and childhood innocence
Birth and Naming Rituals Name-giver is often the grandparent or an elder Learn the right name by entering time of fasting, meditation, prayer, or dreaming Name revealed by the spirit Name expresses identity of the person, which may change over time
Growing Up Young people go on a vision quest when parents or elders believe they are ready Intense, solitary spiritual experience for those seeking direction in life One year of preparation to stay in wilderness without food and little world Braids or uncut hair generally considered sacred
Powwow Means "He dreams" Restoration of right relationships and the healing of all of creation Used to preserve culture and heritage Living cultural expression of song, dance, and art, and through the drum, reminds aboriginals of their connection to Mother Earth (heartbeat) Singing and dancing are highlights of the powwow
Potlatch Originally banned then lifted Common custom among Northwest Coast Public event to celebrate transfer of individual Celebrate a special event Birth of a child, wedding, death of a relative, chief taking office, etc. Gift-giving feast Distribute property to family, friends, visitors Ceremonial dancing and singing
Shaking Tent Shaman (both medicine man and spiritual leader) enters tent and intercedes on behalf of individual Access spirits for direction, advice, and guidance Conducted at night
Symbols
The Circle Circle has no beginning, no end, no direction The Circle represents a completeness which encompasses all space and time. Circular Symbols: Circular Sacred Drum Dream Catcher Medicine Wheel
Sacred Drum Represents the heartbeat of the nation No one may reach across it or place objects on it Each drum has a keeper to ensure its good care
Medicine Wheel and the Number 4 The Medicine Wheel is a representation of how all things in the natural world come in fours: four directions, four seasons, four stages of life, four basic elements. The Medicine Wheel circle represents a harmonious relationship with nature and with all living things who are relatives. belief that all creatures are connected and equal because like the circle there is no beginning and no end.
Dream catchers originated with the Chippewa They were hung over a babies cradle. Good dreams would pass through the web, but bad dreams, which were not as smart, got caught in the web In the morning sun the bad dreams would burn away Meant to be temporary. A child taking it down symbolizes their transition into a new stage of life
The Eagle Feather Symbol of strength Gives the holder of it the power to represent others and speak in gatherings Given to people who defends, fights for, or negotiates on behalf of aboriginal peoples. Can represents healthy relationships Talking feather/stick Used in council meetings to give equal opportunity
Inukshuk Used for navigation Provides warning for any dangers in open water Can be used to mark a sacred space
Totem Poles Totem poles are symbolic of a family or clan or tribe which remind the members of their ancestry or mythical past Each animal on the totem has a character trait that is symbolic of the family