https://www.originalbotanica.com/blog/native-american-rituals-prayers Native American Rituals and Ceremonies. The four directions, as taught through Native American knowledge, are deeply embedded with symbolism and guidance for transformation: East. Dancing is an integral part of the Native American culture and their rituals and ceremonies. Another common element to many American Indian ceremonies is the use of peyote, a spineless cactus that produces psychotropic effects. The Blessing to the Four Directions has its roots in Native American culture. The fire in the center represents the light of the sun, which is considered life-giving and sacred. "Nothing is more sacred. 1 thought on “Native American Religion” Art Byrd says: January 4, 2018 at 1:21 pm I am in the process of studying several areas of America. ... Close the Ceremony. Like many Native American traditions, there is quite a bit of symbolism with the stomp dance. The Indian word for the purification ceremony is oenikika, which means the breath of life. After a long winter, the renewed sense of life emerges. East represents Spring and symbolizes victory, success, and power. The pipe ceremony is a sacred ritual for connecting physical and spiritual worlds. Dances and religious ceremonies are often centered on The Great Spirit, believed by many Native Americans to be the creator of life, or the supreme being. https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture The specific rituals and practices vary but some elements are common to all tribes. "The pipe is a link between the earth and the sky," explains White Deer of Autumn. Native American Indian Wedding Ceremony.It's also about the coming together of two families through prayer and celebration. Walk Sacred explains, "Just think of this as a marriage ceremony that takes place within yourself. The pipe is our prayers in physical form. It is a process of renewal through the integration of the spiritual and physical. Native American Dances, Rituals and Ceremonies. Native American Ordeals . The ceremonial leader is the medicine man. Native American Medicine. Many American Indians practice religious ceremonies with peyote, especially in what is known as the Native American Church. The color is red and it symbolizes protection. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the four cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. Native American religion was banned for a time by the U.S. government and changes have crept in among the old practices. A Native American naming ceremony is a sacred religious event. The Native American Pipe Ceremony. It is the belief that human beings are tied to all things in nature.