Beginnings to 1750: Meeting of Cultures

1. Beginnings to 1750: Meeting of Cultures Native American Creation Stories

2. Native Americans Were on this Continent Centuries Before Europeans • There were hundreds of thriving unique nations • Each had / has its own tradition of literature that was passed down orally. • Families kept the tradition going; ceremonies were where oral stories were retold • The stories often called myths can be an important part of Native American spiritual beliefs.

3. An Important Part of the Oral Tradition is the Myth • Myth – an anonymous oral story • The myth relies on the supernatural to explain a natural phenomenon, human behavior, or mystery • Myths explain why the world is the way it is / they help make sense of the world.

4. Purposes of the Creation Myth • To explain the workings of the natural world • To support and validate social customs • To guide people though the trials of living • To instill a sense of the mystery of the universe and attempts to explain that mystery • To explain how human lives came to exist • Native American myths often emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the creator, humanity, and the natural world.

5. Rhythm and Native American Myths • Native Americans often used rhythm to help them remember their very long stories • Drums and cymbals were used as aids • Also believed that the drum repetition could enable the singer to communicate with the world of animals, nature, and spirits.

6. The Oral Tradition • The stories we’ll read were passed on by word of mouth • It is unknown where the stories originated • These stories tell us how the world came to be • Many rely heavily on a reverence (deep respect) of the natural world

7. “The Earth on Turtle’s Back” • Told by the Onondaga – one of the original five member nations (originally from Canada. • “lived in what is now central New York State.” • Did not believe in violence, very hospitable people