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Clans usually have Totem Animals which correspond to where the tribe lives. For example, Deer for Woodland tribes; and Buffalo for Plains tribes. There are many ways to determine one's clan based on tribal customs. In some tribes a person takes their mother's clan; in some tribes a person takes their father's clan; in some tribes a person undergoes a visionquest or a fast until the personal clan is known; in some tribes, one's clan is verified by a Medicine Person with the Gift of Clans; and in some tribes a child feels connected to and drawn to a clan from infancy.
There are animal totems for
the tribe, for the clan, for the family, for the country, and for the state.
Each animal totem has certain characteristics, qualities, strengths, and
weaknesses that can be utilized to learn valuable lessons and to increase
harmonic understanding of life's circle dance.
For those who live in the United State of America, the tribal animal totem is the bald eagle; for those that live in the state of California, the clan animal totem is the state animal, the Grizzly Bear. Personal Animal totems for an individual are called Power Animals. They are spirits which protect, help, and guide one everyday. Animal totem objects when placed in the environment or worn or carried, create positive energy and result in a blessings and remembrance linkage with the animal totem that results in constructive lessons and actions. This tradition of Giveaway exemplifies and embodies the essence of sharing what one has with others. For instance, a Giveaway may be hosted by a family during a Powwow to celebrate a family member's formal entry into the dance circle. Craft gifts, beadwork, and blankets are given to visitors and friends. The gift giving is then followed by dancing and songs. Over the millennium Native Americans have faithfully and stalwartly held to a starcore of common beliefs and customs. Some of these are respect for Elders; the Clan System; responsibility to the family, the village, and the tribe; the willingness to share with others; and the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life and all children of the earth.
Making Relatives is a ceremony to promote peace that reflects the spiritual
connection between the Great Spirit and humanity. A strong blood bond is made
between two people to establish a relationship that is closer than kinship.
Similar to an adoption, once this ceremony takes place, the participants become
accountable for one another... Go back
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