How Did Wigwams Influence The Beliefs Of Native Americans

Cheyenne Pirrone

Wigwam RD Many Native Americans used a traditional wigwam as a place for their religious ceremonies. Most religious ceremonies included dancing, healing, and pow-wows. Wigwams were also used as homes for Native American tribes. The wigwams ergonomics and easy-to-build structure made it the favorable by many tribes. Wigwams became a large part of the lives of Native Americans because it was where most religious events occurred.

Native American religion is something that cannot easily be described. For one to fully understand it, you must be submersed in their beliefs and practices of a tribe. Native American religion focuses around nature. The plants and animals play a major role in their religion. Animals often were

They believe everything is sacred and has a purpose. Religious ceremonies were a large part of their lives. Rituals included dancing, healing, and pow-wows. Rituals may include the entire tribe, or would specific to men, women, or even families. Dances were held for healing, prayer, initiation, storytelling, and courting. Dances usually occurred in a large structure, such as a wigwam, or in an open field around a fire. A common dance was the ghost dance. It was a spiritual movement that gave hope to the Native Americans when conditions were rough on Indian reservations. It was claimed, the dance would bring about the renewal of the Native American society. They would dance in a circular pattern, which was believed to induce a state of religious ecstasy. Healing ceremonies brought participants into harmony with themselves, their tribe, and their environment. Plants and herbs were commonly used to create a connection between the spirits and the afterlife. Sage and tobacco were the most commonly used herbs during the ceremonies. Sage was used to smudge the wigwam before any healing began. It was believed the smoke opened the soul for the spirits and their healing powers. Native Americans smoked pure tobacco believing it helped heal pain, fever, toothache, vertigo, and even tuberculosis. But most ceremonies were focused on healing the person than curing the disease. The practice of taking hallucinogens was commonly used in the Native American culture. It was believed to help them gain greater insight or communicate with the gods. Many of these ceremonies had a leader. In place of priests, there were shaman and medicine men. These men were sometimes said to communicate with the gods and spirits in the afterlife. They were wise and held important roles in decisions and ceremonies. Medicine men were able to help people repair the damage done to their spirits and mind and bodies. Medicine men