Source
r/NativeAmerican•
snapmouse

Natives of Reddit, what are your favorite little lessons you like to teach your friends, children that is quick and simple, but worthy of knowing? My favorite?

I was taught when I was very little, that anytime you're eating, you're supposed to take some food from your plate, and drop it on the ground. And say thank you (i'heedn) to the earth. (Jicarilla Apache)

When I was older I was told this is a reminder that this is where it comes from, don't forget to give it back and respect it. It should be in your mind for every single meal. Of course, this doesn't work if you're inside, so it's been adjusted for when it's appropriate to drop food on the ground. But the lesson has always stuck with me.

I love to share it with new people I meet, or when we're out bbq'ing with some friends.

Posted Dec 3, 2012, 6:19 PM UTC

2318
millcitymiss•

I really try to respect my elders, even my non-native elders, and encourage others to do the same. I am always shocked by how little respect people have for the elderly.

17
pilotG205•

Over the summer I learned that when you're in need of positive energy, offer a glass of water up to the sun and then drink it.

7
PR05ECC0•

Not as cool as the other suggestions but I make a point to remind people that America wasn't "discovered" by Columbus. Not in a rude way but educate people on the interesting history of America's native people.

5
socolloquial•

don't whistle at night, if you're a lady wear a skirt to events, don't be confrontational, offer any visitors to your home food and drink, elders eat first, don't point, stories are told in the winter only, eat the whole strawberry, put one miscoloured bead in your beadwork, be kind with your strength, take your silver off when you smudge, leave string in your garden for little people, don't pick the tiger lillies, don't step over a baby, braid only your husband's hair, etc.

Edit: These seem like a lot of don'ts, but the reason behind them make sense. I suppose I could have phrased them to be positives.

4
snapmouseOP•

Nobody ever explained the whistle at night thing to me. If they did, I honestly don't remember why not. Being from NM, there are a lot of Spanish/Mexican superstitions that get crossed over as well. So I probably confused it with one of those (brooms by the threshold, etc). Never heard the braid only your husband's hair one either.

2
socolloquial•

Whistling at night calls on bad spirits; and since hair is a source of strength, only those close to you should braid it. And if you're a grown man, it is hoped that your mother isn't braiding your hair anymore...I think it's also somewhat of an intimate act as you move into adulthood. So only your wife braids it.

2
JP-84•

If you're up extra early in the morning, run out towards the sun and greet it with an offering. Be thankful for your health, what you have, and for a good coming day.

3
58puddles•

If you play with fire, you'll piss your bed at night. My dad always told me this. Hands down the best one to share as a camp counsellor too.

3
snapmouseOP•

This was ALWAYS told to us when we were out at camping for Go-Jii-Ya or out at a feast. Didn't know it existed anywhere else.

2
58puddles•

It's a common thing to tell children in my community. It's great to see connections between First Nations even with a large geographical distance. Once when I was in Mexico my mum spoke with me in Cree and used the word for small which turned out the be almost exactly the same as the word for small as the Natives from the area we were visiting.

4
LCO-Migizi•

Indians aren't extinct and owls are bad news.

3
snapmouseOP•

We have a thing with owls as well.

2
crowbaby_•

Explain the "owl" thing!

2
snapmouseOP•

From what I remember, owl's were always a warning. They were sent to 'be wary' of where you were, or where you were headed. It's also been explained that it's supposed to someplace you wouldn't normally see an owl. If you're out in the middle of the woods, well, there's a chance you'll run into all manner of animal, but an owl sitting outside your window staring at you?

Pay attention.

My favorite story is from my mom and dad, driving home in a snowstorm. See a big block of snow in the middle of the road so they naturally start to drive around it. Only, it's not snow, but a huge white owl. It flies up and actually knocks loose the car antenna. They slowed down of course due to all the commotion. Come around a tight curve and see a huge elk standing in the middle of the road.

Had they not slowed for the owl, they would have hit the elk, or worse, tried to avoid it and slide off the road into a ravine. Coincidence? Maybe. Message? Maybe. I've always been told of owls in odd places.

4
LCO-Migizi•

WI Ojibwe here. Since I was little I was told to watch out for owls because they're bad omens. Similar to snapmouse, it means you start paying attention. Back in the day, when people were out hunting and an owl would follow them often times it meant there would be a shortage of food or death coming. My great grandfather used to shoot his 12 gauge at them when he heard them around his home. I think their really cool animals physiologically but I don't like them around. Edit:There also used be old stories about the owl swooping down and carrying you away if you went out at night as a little kid. There's some utility in telling these stories to kids to keep them safe as well.

2
iqwe•

Offer tobacco before a thunderstorm to Mother Earth to acknowledge the Thunderbird's arrival and ask for protection.

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snapmouseOP•

We have a tradition that states to 'stretch' your child on their first thunderstorm. It will help them grow tall. I'd have to say, my son is one of the tallest in his class.

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iqwe•

Depending on the Indian name we were given, we must offer tobacco to that spirit. My daughter is a rainbow, so whenever she sees one she must put down tobacco and give thanks.

3