Learning about other cultures is a vital aspect of global citizenship, allowing us to understand and appreciate people’s perspectives, traditions, and behaviors outside our cultural boundaries. This article is focusing on Cherokee culture which is among the richest and fascinating cultures in Native America. The Cherokee tribe is one of the largest and most influential Native American tribes in the history of the United States. Their culture extends beyond their well-known history and folklore, involving aspects of dance, music, language, art, and ceremonies that portray their rich heritage and traditions.
Living Culture
Cherokee, also known as Tsallagi or Tsalagi, are indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands. Today, the predominant number of Cherokees reside in Oklahoma and North Carolina, with their presence also drooping a cultural impact on other U.S. states[^1^]. This rich culture represents an amalgamation of beliefs, values, and practices that have evolved over hundreds of years, shaped by the strong pillars of kinship, spirituality, and their deep respect for nature.
Cherokee Language
Let’s embark on the fascinating aspect of Cherokee culture – language. Cherokee language, also known as Tsalagi Gawonihisdi, is part of the Iroquoian language family. The language was given a written form in the early 19th century by Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith who invented a syllabary for the language, allowing the Cherokee to achieve a highly effective literacy rate within just a few years following its introduction. This writing system, often referred to as the Cherokee syllabary, is unique among Native American cultures and holds immense significance in Cherokee identity and education.
Cherokee Art & Crafts
Art forms a crucial component of cultural expressions, and Cherokee art and crafts are no exception. Over time, Cherokee people have demonstrated exceptional skills and creativity in pottery, basketry, beadwork, and cloth weaving. Their art is remarked for its aesthetic appeal as well as the practical utility.
Cherokee pottery, usually tempered with crushed shell or limestone, signifies their connection with the earth. Cherokee baskets, on the other hand, created using river cane, white oak, or hickory bark, exhibit the delicacy of their craftsmanship. In more contemporary times, the tribe has also tilted towards fine arts, including painting and sculpture, embedding their rich history and folklore into these modern mediums[^2^].
Cherokee Music & Dance
Music and dance have always held a distinct place in Cherokee culture, often intertwined with their ceremonies and festivals. Cherokee music is essentially vocal, characterized by rhythmic complexity and the use of terraced descent in the melodic structure. Traditional instruments include the river cane flute and the turtle shell shaker.
Cherokee dance is deeply rooted in their religious rites and social gatherings. Traditional dances like the Bear Dance, Buffalo Dance, and Green Corn Dance are not mere entertainment but are intrinsic parts of their ceremonial life, each bearing specific cultural and symbolic meanings.
Cherokee Ceremonies & Festivals
Ceremonies and festivals are significant events inscribed in the Cherokee cultural calendar. The most significant of these is the Green Corn Ceremony, a ritual to thank the Creator for a successful harvest season. Other notable ceremonies include the Stomp Dance, a social gathering at the heart of the Cherokee community.
The Cherokee National Holiday is a contemporary festival that has been celebrated since 1953, commemorating the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. This event brings together Cherokees and visitors with a lineup of various cultural and artistic activities.
Wrapping Up
Cherokee culture is vast, stretching back thousands of years and still evolving today. This living culture has persevered through historical upheavals to retain its vibrant traditional elements while embracing modernity. Understanding this culture requires engaging with multiple aspects of their lifestyle, from art to language, music to ceremonies, and beyond. Doing so, one can grasp the profound depth and beautiful complexity that embodies Cherokee culture.
In essence, the Cherokee culture reflects the spirit of resilience, creativity, and constant adaptation – a testament to the centuries’ old wisdom of the Cherokee people.
[^1^]: “Culture.” Cherokee Nation. https://www.cherokee.org/About-The-Nation/Culture
[^2^]: “Art.” Cherokee Nation. https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/see-do/Pages/Art.aspx