Lesson 2 Flashcards
What are the sacred medicines?
Tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar
what is tobacco?
a gift from the Creator; represents honesty and gratitude. presented as an offering to elders, knowledge keepers, and to the natural world.
what is sage used for?
used to prepare people for ceremonies/teachings and for releasing troubles and removing negative energy. also used for cleansing homes and sacred items.
what is sweetgrass?
sacred hair of mother earth. represents the teaching of kindness.
what is cedar used for?
used to purify a home. used in many ceremonies as a form of protection. cedar baths are for healing and cedar tea is used to treat sickness.
what are vision quests?
seeking spiritual power through an encounter with a guardian spirit, usually an animal or other natural entity, after a period of fasting. carried out under under supervision of a medicine man/woman. purification ritual in sweat lodge before the quest. afterwards, quester ventures alone far from camp to endure the elements - no food/water - vision from animal or other form of nature will come at the end of the day.
what are sweat lodges?
hut made out of saplings and covered with animal skins. represents the universe. heated stones in centre, sprinkled with water by medicine man/woman. sweating from hot steam leads to physical and spiritual purification.
what are powwows?
celebration of indigenous culture - singing, dancing, honouring ancestors traditions.
what are regalia’s?
traditional and sacred clothing, accessories, and artifacts worn/carried during ceremonies. unique to each dancer - can reflect individuals connection to ancestors/family members/clan.
