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NATIVE SPIRITUALITY SACRED SYMBOLS

NATIVE SPIRITUALITY SACRED SYMBOLS. Grade 11 WORLD RELIGIONS HRE 3M1. THE SYMBOL OF NATIVE SPIRITUALITY. There is no official symbol of Native Spirituality. The symbol above is just one of the many symbols used to represent Native tradition.

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NATIVE SPIRITUALITY SACRED SYMBOLS

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  1. NATIVE SPIRITUALITY SACRED SYMBOLS Grade 11 WORLD RELIGIONS HRE 3M1

  2. THE SYMBOL OF NATIVE SPIRITUALITY • There is no official symbol of Native Spirituality. The symbol above is just one of the many symbols used to represent Native tradition. • The symbol consists of what is known as the Solar Cross • The circle is the circle of the earth, the circle of time, days, seasons, lunar cycles, the circle of the teepee, and ritual dances.

  3. THE SYMBOL OF NATIVE SPIRITUALITY • The four points within the circle represent the movement of the sun. They also represent the four medicine herbs(sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco), the four elements(earth, air, fire, water) and the four directions (north, south, east and west). • The centre of the circle at the cross’ intersection represents the fifth direction, the point of balance.

  4. DRUM • Sacred and oldest of the instruments • Round shape represents the circle of life(the whole universe) • Steady beat represents the heart beat. • The drum should never be beaten in an aggressive way.

  5. COW HORN RATTLE • Rattles offer more of a softer rhythm than drums. • Used in ceremonies and dances. • Rattles may be shaken to call up the spirit of life when someone is sick. • An Elder also uses the rattle to summon spirits for those who are seeking spiritual / physical cleansingin a Sweat Lodge Ceremony.

  6. PIPE • Consists of 2 parts: a tobacco-holding bowlmade of bone, wood, stone or metal and a stem, usually made out of wood. • When the 2 pieces are joined, the pipe is considered a living entity. • Purpose of smoking the pipe is to provide harmony, balance and wholeness. • Never used in recreational smoking.

  7. DEERSKIN MEDICINE POUCH • Contains objects and substances which have special meaning or “medicine” for the owner. • Could contain a totem, significant to the wearer. • Whatever is in the bag is personal and private. • Carrying the bag can be compared to carrying the scriptures.

  8. WOODEN MASK • Portray several types of mythical beingsor apparitions that appear in dreams. Mask could also represent a protective entity. • The mask is fed tobacco to keep the spirit alive. • Hair is horse tail, mouth (in different directions) represents all moods. • Each wooden mask gives special curing powers to the person who wears it.

  9. WOODEN MASK TREE CARVING • To make the wooden mask, the carver goes into the woods alone until a tree of the appropriate size is found whose spirit “calls” to the carver. • The face is carved into the living tree. • Face in the tree – represents the connection between humanity and the Tree of Life.

  10. CORNHUSK MASK • These masks are supposed to embody or be inhabited by spirits associated with the corn harvest or growing grains. • Worn by both men and women.

  11. SWEET GRASS • Known for its aromatic fragrance, which is enhanced when the grass is wet or burned. • Used as a purifier. • When braided, it signifies Mother Earth– the three (3) sections represent mind, body and spirit.

  12. SMUDGE STICK • Four sacred plants: tobacco, cedar, sage and sweet grass. • Tobacco represents east; offered in prayers to the creator. • Cedar  represents south; acts as a purifier. • Sage  represents the west; also used as a purifier. • Sweet grass  represents north; signifies kindness, burned to invite good spirits.

  13. ABALONE SHELL SMUDGE POT • Used to burn the 4 sacred plants. • Used in smudging ceremonies.

  14. FEATHER (SMUDGE FAN) • Feathers are symbols of prayers and marks of honour. • Stem represents the straight path of life. • Feather of a bird-of-prey represents the power, spirit and wisdom of the bird from which it came. • Eagle Feather considered sacred because Eagles fly closest to the Creator. • Beads represent the tribes / spirits they are praying to.

  15. DREAM CATCHER • Come from the Chippewa / Ojibwa culture. • Traditionally hung over a bed, good dreams filter through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper. • Bad dreams get caught in the net and disappear in the light of the day.

  16. MEDICINE WHEEL • Illustrates how all life is interconnected. • The significance of the circle holds a place of special importance in Native beliefs, rituals and art. • 4 directions symbolize the stages of life’s journey. • The 4 spokes represent the 4 directions, 4 sacred plants, 4 stages of life (infancy, youth, maturity, old age).

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