Christmas Across Native America | Smithsonian Voices | National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian Magazine
Category: News & Politics
Via: kavika • 10 months ago • 31 commentsBy: Tokeya Waci U (SmithsonianNMAI)
There is an article posted where the Mayor of Boston had a Christmas Party and no white folks were invited, only those of us of color, BTW my color is Red so we have that covered. The uproar on NT has been deafening, to say the least, those on the right are calling racism amongst other things. Even your author, me has been accused of supporting racism against white folks or as you are known to red folks, as chimooks. I'm here to set the record straight, we as red folks celebrate Christmas to different degrees, and this article will explain a bit about that. One of the most important things is that many tribes have a Christmas Pow Wow, and lo and behold it's open to chimooks. Once you are at the Pow Wow certain rules apply and you are expected to follow them, no white privilege gets you out of them. '
When the Pow Wow starts there is what we call a grand entrance and you may be asked to join in this highly respected and traditional event. Now, we are aware that white folks can't dance which is a required part of the grand entrance, so we have solved that problem. You will be issued a set of directions for a native dance slowed down so you can at least try to look like you know what you are doing. It is called the ''White Foot Two Step" This should get you through those embarrassing moments of non-coordination that chimooks suffer from while trying to dance.
I recommend that you try ''Fry Bread'' while you are there, it's good, vein-plugging fat that not only looks good but tastes good. You'll limited to one piece of Fry Bread. We don't want a bunch of chimooks toppling over with a heart attack at the Pow Wow, Lord knows we'll be accused of trying to kill off the white folks and then we'll be back to the days of the 7th Cavalry, war paint and all of that.
So enjoy the article, knowing that you can be part of an Indian Christmas without being pointed out as ''one of them''.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Celebrations, memorials, and gatherings during the winter holiday season
Dennis Zotigh
December 21st, 2022 Michigan Anishinaabe women April Lindala, Linda Batiste-Cohen and Michelle Reed dress in their tribal apparel in anticipation of the holidays!" Photo courtesy of Michelle Reed
For the last few years, Native friends have shared their Christmas plans and traditions with Smithsonian Voices. This year we have updated this story with new photographs and quotes.
The introduction of Christianity to the Americas and the origins of Christmas can be controversial in Native circles. Europeans knowingly replaced Native people's existing spiritual beliefs with the beliefs taught in the Bible. Cruelty and brutality often accompanied this indoctrination. Yet it is also true that some tribes, families, and individuals embraced the Bible and Jesus' teachings voluntarily. This complicated history is reflected here. _____
All throughout Indian Country, Native people have gathered in churches, missions, and temples to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by singing carols and hymns in their Native languages. In some churches, the story of Jesus' birth is recited in Native languages. Some Native churches also host nativity plays using Native settings and actors to re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ. Among Catholics, Christmas Eve Mass traditionally begins in Indian communities at midnight and extends into the early hours of Christmas Day. In tipis, hogans, and houses, Native American Church members also hold Christmas services, ceremonies that begin on Christmas Eve and go on all night until Christmas morning.
Duane Harris (Dine) commutes from his home in Albuquerque to celebrate the Christmas holiday with his family on the Navajo reservation in Hogback, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Duane Harris
Music played an important part in converting Native people, establishing their practice of worship, and teaching them how to celebrate the Christmas season. Perhaps the earliest North American Christmas carol was written in the Wyandot language of the Huron-Wendat people. Jesous Ahatonhia ("Jesus, He is born")—popularly known as Noel huron or the Huron Carol—is said by oral tradition to have been written in 1643 by the Jesuit priest Jean de Brebeuf.
In contemporary times, traditional powwow singing groups have rearranged Christmas songs to appeal to Native audiences. A humorous example is Warscout's NDN 12 Days of Christmas, from their album Red Christmas. Native solo artists also perform Christmas classics in Native languages. Rhonda Head (Cree), for example, has recorded Oh Holy Night, and Jana Mashpee (Lumbee and Tuscarora) has recorded Winter Wonderland in Ojibwe.
Native communities host traditional tribal dances, round dances, and powwows on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Among the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest special dances take place, such as buffalo, eagle, antelope, turtle, and harvest dances. The Eight Northern Pueblos of New Mexico perform Los Matachines—a special dance-drama mixing North African Moorish, Spanish, and Pueblo cultures—which takes place on Christmas Eve, along with a pine-torch procession. Maheengun Atencio (Ohkay Owingeh, Laguna and Dine) and his grandmother Edith Atencio (Pueblo of Laguna) pause in front of the Catholic church for a photograph before performing the Dance of the Matachines in the main plaza of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Maheengun Atencio
For Native artisans, this is traditionally the busy season as they prepare special Christmas gift items. Artists and craftspeople across the country create beadwork, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, basketry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, leatherwork, and feather work for special Christmas sales and art markets that are open to the public. For 17 years, the National Museum of the American Indian annually holds its Native Art Market in New York and Washington a few weeks before Christmas.
In many communities and homes, Christian customs are interwoven with Native culture as a means of expressing Christmas in a uniquely Native way. The importance of giving is a cultural tradition among most tribes. Even in times of famine and destitution, Native people have made sure their families, the old, and orphans were taken care of. This mindset prevails into the present. Gift-giving is appropriate whenever a tribal social or ceremonial gathering takes place.
A beautiful Native ornament designed by Tokeya Waci U Richardson (Oglala Lakota and Haliwa-Saponi) adorns his mother Renee Richardson's (Muscogee) Christmas tree in Richmond, Virginia. To view more artwork by Tokeya Waci U Richardson visit coupcountdesignz.com. Photo courtesy of Renee and Tokeya Waci U Richardson
In the same way, traditional Native foods are prepared for this special occasion. Salmon, walleye, shellfish, moose, venison, elk, mutton, geese, duck, rabbit, wild rice, collards, squash, pine nuts, corn soup, red and green chile stews, bread pudding, pueblo bread, piki bread, bannock (fry bread), tortillas, berries, roots and Native teas are just a few of the things that come to mind. Individual tribes and Indian organizations sponsor Christmas dinners for their elders and communities prior to Christmas. Tribal service groups and warrior societies visit retirement homes and shelters to provide meals for their tribe members on Christmas Day.
Many tribes begin their Christmas meal by putting out a feast plate or spirit dish for loved ones who passed away. As a special Christmas day of feasting a prayer is rendered and food offerings are placed outside of the home on a plate or in the sacred fire for relatives who are no longer with us. The respect is that you allow your remembrances—those who have passed—to eat first. Many are experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one.
Alternatively, some Natives do not celebrate Christmas but use this seasonal opportunity to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Yet others in the Northern plains are honoring their relatives with a memorial horse ride called the Dakota 38 + 2. On December 26, 1862, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Dakota County, 38 Dakota men were hung all at once. It is recorded as the largest mass execution in U S. history and how some Natives in Mni Sota and the Dakotas observe this time of the year. Each December 10, riders set out to traverse the 330 miles between Lower Brule, South Dakota, and conclude on December 26 in Mankato, Minnesota.
Dakota 38 + 2 riders cross the frozen plains of South Dakota to their destination in Mankato, Minnesota. When they arrive it is a happy day because the Dakotas that were exiled come to their homelands and reunite with the spirits of their ancestors. Photo courtesy of Ruth Anderson. Text courtesy of Lee Ann Eastman
According to the Urban Indian Health Commission, nearly seven out of every ten American Indians and Alaska Natives—2.8 million people—live in or near cities, and that number is growing. During the Christmas holidays, many urban Natives travel back to their families, reservations, and communities to reconnect and reaffirm tribal bonds. They open presents and have big family meals like other American Christians.
_____
This year we asked our Native friends "How important is Christmas to you?" Here are some of their answers preceded by the locations they were submitted from:
Nez Perce Reservation, Idaho - Back in the day, winter was our time for Medicine Dance. Our Medicine people were there to heal and have ceremony. Especially around Christmas time. It was a sacred time that was accepted by the Christians. But, they had no idea what we were doing. I myself, have attended many as a child. Nowadays it has changed. I guess I am getting old.
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, New Mexico - Not important at all. All things associated with the holiday like family gifts giving I do or try to do every day. Make time for any family share a meal give a gift just to do it. My thinking is these things should be done daily not waiting for so called holidays to do them. For me our Native dances that go in line with the seasons and times of the year hold more value than these other holidays.
Winnebago Treaty Land, Nebraska - In the years since I've become a grandmother, I find myself reflecting on the years gone by, when my kids were little or when I was young to reflect on the spirit of Christmas. My grandson stopped by to drop off my portfolio and it felt good to have some good presents to give him. I had little binoculars for him. He loved those. He's a little hunter already.
Lebanon, New Hampshire - It is important for family time and family traditions. Most of my family don't "do" church or organized religions any more though, so it's more about family for them.
Shawnee, Oklahoma - It varies from year to year. This year will be the 10th anniversary of my father passing. He died on December 23, 2012. Many years ago, when I was a little tyke my dad played Santa for the church. I played Santa for our Indian Education program. So, there is such a thing as Indian Santa. My grandkids are teenagers now. Last year I was lying in the hospital hoping to survive Covid-19 and I did, so miracles happen this time of the year. But with all that said I have a melancholy feeling about Christmas.
Federal Way, Washington - Christmas is for the children! But traditions are hard to break. The Christians taught us these celebrations thru their colonizing ways. Many of our people still go to Christian church and celebrate. We are all going thru changes! Prayers and blessings to everyone during this time!
Maskoki Southeast Aboriginal Territory, North Carolina - First understanding Christmas is a by-product of religion, and a German man who became Santa; the war era and giving hope to the children. Personally, I look forward to the calming of the Winter Solstice season and all the culturally shared events. Yes, even Christmas…
Ft. Collins, Colorado - We celebrate the Winter Solstice and whoever was successful during our fall hunts gets the honor of providing the dinner roast for our celebratory meal. We also exchange gifts and use this time to reflect on the year and how blessed we are individually and as a family.
Ontario, Canada - Christmas is zero important to me. It's a Catholic thing in all its entirety. A religion who forcibly severed our culture from ancestors. It's a societal mind-%$#@.
Sawmill, Arizona - It's about my kids and getting out of my own way so they can enjoy it. I haven't cared about Xmas for most of my life. My dad said it's a white man holiday and didn't put much value into it. I adopted that idea but now just try to let my kids enjoy the time and although, teach them, let me be happy too. It's a festive time of year.
Chicago, Illinois - We stopped with all the madness of shopping, house decorated perfectly, Planning big specialty dinners. I had a few friends that lived traditionally as possible, and never celebrated the Christian holidays. I do believe in a higher power, prayers daily, but I'm less stressed about the big event. We do like ham and it's on sale, so we will just have a good dinner, and relax. I don't even bother will decorations anymore.
Mount Airy, Maryland - As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas as the time Jesus was born, John 3:16. But I do believe the holiday has become over commercialized. I also believe in Maheo and Sweet Medicine - the Cheyenne way. ______
The National Museum of the American Indian will be closed on Christmas Day. However, we have a pre-recorded interview available with internationally acclaimed glass artist, Preston Singletary (Tlingit American), about his exhibition "Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight," which is currently on display at the museum in Washington, DC. Singletary incorporates traditional Northwest Coast and Tlingit imagery into his glass masterpieces https://nmai.brand.live/c/prestonsingletary.
Dennis Zotigh|READ MORE
Dennis W. Zotigh (Kiowa/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo/Isante Dakota Indian) is a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and San Juan Pueblo Winter Clan and a descendant of Sitting Bear and No Retreat, both principal war chiefs of the Kiowas. Dennis works as a writer and cultural specialist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
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WINTER WONDERLAND SUNG BY JANA MASHONEE IN OJIBWE.
She has a beautiful voice.
She has a Christmas CD where she sings all the Classic Christmas songs each in a different Indian language.
Welcome to an Indian Christmas, enjoy yourself have a laugh and an egg nog.
count me in on anything that combines food, family and friends...
Dragging you to a Pow Wow, devan.
Personally I would love to go to any ethnic celebration not done for tourists for any reason. Of course it would be nice to know what was being celebrated. Trying different dances and food is always fun. I have gone to several semi authentic celebrations done for tourists but the only authentic celebration was a Greek Orthodox wedding. IMO it is important for everyone to know and celebrate their past.
Just make sure there is lots of room for me to do a white foot two step so no one gets hurt.
LOL, no worries if needed you can have your own Grand Entrance.
Ahhh - but one of the "sneaky" things 'bout dances is that - if a female asks you to dance with her, you DON'T turn her down 'less you got $5.00 to give her and then face the embarrassment from she and her friends the rest of the day
I have a wife and 2 daughters so I am used to taking crap from women. I just have to get some fives or step on a few ankles so I will stop being asked. Tough choice
LOL, one never turns down an Indian woman if she asks you to dance. Man, you'll be a target for the rest of the night, and after she tells all her friends she may be really pissed and tell her grandma than your ass is gone no one as far as I know has lived when grandma finds out you turned her granddaughter down on a dance.
You'll never do any tipi crawling again and 49ing is a thing of the past for you.
Did you ever hear how the great warrior got his name. He was at a pow wow and standing next to his horse when a young lady asked him to dance, he being a big bad warrior said, no thanks and as soon as his horse heard him say those fateful words the a whinny and said ''you fucking crazy, hoss?''
If I ever run into you in the world I'll take you to an Indian party after the Pow Wow.
These are my cousins, Keith Secola, Joey Stylez, and Derek Miller doing NDN Car.
Did that once at an AISES leadership conference - she was the "New" Director for AISES and I had just become a Chair leader so, obviously, didn't know who she was.
Wrong decision made that night.
Man, the rest of the week was pure hell. She and I now laugh at it, but you better believe I NEVER said no again.
Luv that song - reminds me so much of "Smoke Signals" and I just start laughing.
LOL. Thanks for the heads up. The last thing I want to do is get a grandma mad.
last time I was invited to a party with dancing, I put my broken ankle boot on before going.
I enjoyed the article and the song. I fake a slow dance to that. Thanks Kavika.
LOL. I'm sure that you do while munching on some Fry Bread..
I make fry bread when I make venison stew.
Pizza doesn't count as Fry Bread....LOL
You didn't get invited to a Christmas party if you were Indian back in the day. So we know that cultural appropriation goes back at least 250 years. [deleted]
Gee, most folks learn before high school all about the Boston Tea Party.
That's great to hear, but the comment was aimed at the group that never pays attention.
I spent a long career as the American representative of a Japanese manufacturing giant. Several times over many years the highest ups among Japanese top management admitted, or confided, that the Japanese are the most racist and sexist of men, "except white men", and this they believed resulted in successful business relationships.
They said Japanese men were especially prejudiced against other Asians, all Africans, Aboriginals, Natives, and all woman on earth...
At least they owned it. The younger generation has gradually seen some changes, but women in manufacturing sales remain very rare.
As a rare Indian Jew, I have only seen Christmas on the Rez, so it was interesting to read about other tribes who do different things this time of the year. Thanks for sharing this with us. I found it truly enjoyable.
Happy that you enjoyed it, sister.
I could do with some fry bread and some good music! Looks like we're having a no snow Holliday this year... I can't remember the last time it was this warm this late in the season.
my baked goods consumption reaches an alarming rate during the holidays...
Go for donut holes less calories.
... not if you eat 6 dozen.
NO SNOW in the north country, impossible.