2. What are Cherokees?
• Cherokee indians were one of the five
civilized tribes of America as they had
adapted Western ways of life and
clothing and also resisted the rule of
European settlers. Examples of other
civilized tribes were the Cree, the Sioux
etc.
3. Origin of the Cherokees
• The first Cherokees were actually part
of the Iroquois but internal conflicts
might have separated them. They
gradually migrated to Ohio,
Pennsylvania and Virginia. They finally
found a suitable place and claimed their
land.
4. Cherokee spiritual beliefs
•
.In Cherokee tradition, there were many
spiritual aspects. Shamans were considered to
be chosen ones to heal the sick and help the
poor. Shamans would gather the tribe together
for a ceremonial event where the whole tribe
will pray as the Shaman says the sacred text of
long lost ancestors.
5. Cherokee Festivals
• Month of the Windy Moon(March): the ceremony of the first full moon
of spring. It initiates the planting season.
Month of the End of Fruit Moon(August):Green corn ceremony. Includes
gathering 1 ear of corn from each of the 7 clans, sacrifice, prayer, and relighting
of the sacred fire.
Month of Nut Moon(September): Green corn Ceremony. Celebrates the
harvest.
Month of Harvest Moon(October): celebrates Cherokee New Year.
Month of the Trading Moon(November):Bounding Bush Ceremony(Non-
religious, feasting and dancing, very enjoyable.
6. Cherokee sacred animals
• Eagle - The Eagle is a sacred animal in the Cherokee
culture. It is said that if a man deliberately killed an
eagle, he would be plagued by nightmares of fierce
eagles swooping down on him. They are valued greatly
in the Cherokee tribe because they believe that the
Eagle had the ability to travel between our world and
the Spirit world.
Other sacred animals are the Horse and the Buffalo (they use
the entire buffalo for their needs: Bones for weapons, skin for
shelter, etc).
•
7. Cherokee Lifestyles
• Cherokees lived in huts woven out of
river reed.
• Cherokee men would wear
breechcloths and leggings while a
woman would wear poncho styled
blouses.
8. Taboos
• You were not allowed to kill certain
animals such as wolfs, eagles etc.
• Children could not touch moles
