From its ancient oral history to today’s modern world, the Cherokee: also known as “Ani-Yunwiya” — translating to “Principle People” — possess deep spirituality that encompasses every aspect of their lives. Guided by symbolism, ritual practices, contemplative insights, and understanding the harmony of the natural world, Cherokee spirituality has a profound influence on Cherokee identity and the sense of connectedness to the earth. This article delves into Cherokee spirituality, exploring the formative aspects of their religious beliefs, mythology, sacred rituals, and ties to nature.
The Spiritual Path of the Cherokee
At the heart of Cherokee spirituality lies a great reverence for the earth and all living things. The Cherokee’s spiritual beliefs express unity with the natural world. They subscribe to the idea that every aspect of nature — from the smallest insect to the giangantic mountains — is infuse with spirit or life force[^1^]. It interweaves with the threads of communal existence, mirroring the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that the physical world undergoes.
Deeper Meaning: Symbolism in Cherokee Spirituality
Symbols serve as crucial components of Cherokee Spirituality, acting as vessels of teachings, beliefs, and tradition. Notably, the number seven stands as the most sacred number in their tradition. Cherokees believe seven represents completeness and harmony, reflected in many aspects of the universe. There are ‘seven clans’ within the Cherokee Nation, ‘seven directions’ which includes, east, west, north, south, above, below, and center, and ‘seven Cherokee ceremonies’ that occur throughout the year.
Cherokee Creation Story
Mythology plays a significant role in the Cherokee spiritual framework. The creation story features prominently as a central element in Cherokee spirituality. As relayed orally through generations, the Cherokee believe that in the beginning, the world was water. Water beetles then emerged from the sky realm, exploring down to earth. As a water beetle brought up soft mud from the depths, it began to spread and solidify on the water, morphing into the earth.
The story not only shapes the Cherokee’s cosmological understanding, it emphasises the delicate balance and interconnection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Sacred Rituals: Cycles of Life and Season
The Cherokee spiritual calendar is a cycle of rituals and ceremonies which honor the natural ebb and flow of the seasons. The life of the Cherokee people rhythmically-intertwind with ceremonial occasions that mark transitions from one season to the next. These include the New Moon Ceremony, the Green Corn Ceremony, and the Great New Moon Ceremony, each signifying thankfulness to the Creator, purification, community unity, personal reflection, and renewal of life[^2^].
Nature: The Core of Cherokee Spirituality
Cherokee spirituality is deeply connected to the natural world. They believe that everything in nature has a spirit, essential for maintaining balance and harmony in the natural world and within individual livings. Respect is shown towards all animals, plants, stones, and elements for the gifts and lessons they provide to humans. Such belief gave rise to their profound environmental stewardship and the intricate ties to the healing traditions of Cherokee medicine using plants and herbs.
The earth in Cherokee spirituality is more than just a physical entity. It is viewed as the mother, symbolising the principles of nurturing, care, and sustenance. The natural elements — earth, water, fire, and air — are similarly seen as entities possessing spiritual energy to be revered and honored.
Conclusion
Cherokee Spirituality is a rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, mythology and living practices. This spirituality is steeped in profound reverence for the earth and all life forms, facilitating a deep connection to nature. Very often, its deep wisdom and worldview offer a valuable perspective for modern society grappling with various environmental and existential crises. It serves as a reminder that humanity, nature, and spirit can exist in harmony when respect and understanding serve as guiding principles.
So instead of perceiving Cherokee spirituality as mere religious concepts or philosophical ideas, one may appreciate it as a way of life, a worldview that marks their understanding of existence — an intimate narrative that binds the Cherokee people to their heritage, land, and their ancestors in the sacred cycle of life.
[^1^]: Mooney, J. Myths of the Cherokee (Dover: New York, 1995)
[^2^]: Conley, R.J. The Cherokee Nation: A History (Univ of New Mexico Press, 2008)