Characteristics Of Native Americans

Native American and the Spirit World

Native Americans first arrived in North America approximately 20,000 years ago. Since then, Native Americans have lived all every section of the United States. Native American tribes have resided in various climates, with differing lifestyles; some tribes have been hunting and gathering societies while others lived in an agricultural based community. Knowledge of Native American religion prior to European settlement is reliant on archaeology. However, archaeology tells us more about the cultural aspects of a society, rather than the religious beliefs. Overall, Native American tribes share similar religious characteristics. Native Americans believe that every aspect of nature is alive with spirits (also
Native Americans’ animistic belief, that all aspects of nature possess a soul, has shaped their relationship with the environment. Native Americans felt that it was and still is their responsibility to maintain nature with reverence to ensure a good relationship with the spirits. Native Americans practiced seasonal mobility, keeping their demands on the ecosystems at a minimum; they used species when they were most abundant ensuring that not one single species became over used. For example For instance, tribes in California pruned shrubs to make baskets, but only did so during the late fall and winter periods when the plants future health would not be at risk. Native Americans only took what was necessary for survival and did not stockpile food. During the winter months of February and March, when animal populations were scarce, it was common for tribes in northern New England to go hungry. Native Americans believed that if they killed more animals than what was necessary, then the spirits would haunt them. After killing an animal, Native Americans would ask for forgiveness and pet the animal to ensure that the spirits would not chastise
It is surprising to read about how Hindus fully accept death as passage of life and will not prolong treatment if the illness is terminal. Personally, I feel that would be difficult to handle but from the Hindu point of view, death is a part of life that everyone will eventually experience. It is sad but I feel that the way they view death makes handling the passing of a loved one easier. I think the Hindu preparations and practices for the passing of a loved are very symbolic and have a lot of spiritual meaning. It is neat how they place the body of their loved one on the floor, close to the earth, symbolizing freedom from physical constraints and the easing of the soul’s departure. It is important to be culturally knowledgeable in the health fields to accommodate a patient’s