Religion

Native American

Religious principles are hard to explain because most are passed down verbally from generation to generation and tribe

to tribe.

Not classified as a religion in the past because their beliefs were understood and partly because they didn't have a

written set of guidelines.

Included a number of practices, ceremonies, and traditions. Some of the ceremonies were in honor of a number of

events such as healing the sick, renew relationships, and initiating people into religious societies and included feasts,

music, dances, and other performances. It was common to use hallucinogens to gain a higher insight or communicate

with the gods.

Symbolism with animals is a common practice. Animals are used to represent ideas,

characteristics, and spirits. Some tribes used animals to tell the story of creation.

Focus around nature with land, animals, and plants playing a huge role in

religion.

Some of the religious ceremonies are used to purify one's soul and help draw

out evil spirits.

Shamen and Medicine men were used in place of preachers and clergymen. They were known as communicators with the

gods. They usually were held with a higher level of status within the groups and had important roles in decisions, ceremonies,

and traditions.

Hard to define and to gain full understanding you really need to grow up submersed in the beliefs, practices, and

traditions of the tribe.

It wouldn't be the same as becoming a born-again Christian.

Two dominant religious movements are the Native American Church and Christian Pentecostalism. Native American Church formed based on rituals that connected

members to the Great Spirit and involves peyote, pipe, and cigarette smoking to

clear the mind.