Meaning of the Winter Symbol
Native American Indians were a deeply spiritual people and they communicated their history, thoughts, ideas and dreams from generation to generation through Symbols and Signs such as the Winter symbol. Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs. The meaning of the Winter symbol was to signify the passing of time. A clever, simple way to symbolize and record the passing of time. The Native Indians had no clocks but used the environment to measure time. Sunset and sunrise organised the parameters of the day. The cycles of nature, the cold and warm seasons, organised task related work especially agricultural life such as the planting seasons. Rituals and special ceremonies were also scheduled by nature.
The summer solstice scheduled the Sun Dance ritual of the Kiowa tribe, the spring equinox scheduled the First Thunder ceremony of the Pawnee tribe and the Zuni tribe celebrated the Great Feast of the Winter Solstice. Seasons are marked by the turning of the sun on the solstices. Winter Solstice on December 21 marks the onset of winter, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. After the Winter Solstice, each day becomes longer until the longest day of the year arrives around June 21st.
The Winter Symbol - Mythology
Abenaki Winter Myth: The Abenaki deity 'Pebon' represents Winter. Pebon was a powerful sorcerer who put his audience to sleep when he told stories. The stunning beauty of the summer deity 'Niben' forced Pe-ben to retreat to the north.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
Native American Indians have celebrated both Solstices and equinoxes from ancient times as deeply meaningful. Many Native American stone structures are aligned with the position of the Sun. The Hopi tribe mark this time with the Soyal ceremony which lasts for 20 days and includes blessings and purification rituals. The Pueblo tribe celebrate the Winter Solstice with rites focusing on Spring and rebirth. Other Native American tribes celebrate the winter solstice with rituals such as the Bear Dance, the Feather Dance and the Navajo Night Chant.
Lakota Sioux Bear Dance
The Winter Symbol - Meaning
There were so many tribes of Native American Indians it is only possible to generalise the most common meaning of the Winter symbol or pattern. Native Indian symbols are still used as Tattoos and were used for a variety of reasons and depicted on numerous objects such as tepees, totem poles, musical instruments, clothes and War Paint. Indian Tribes also used their own Colors for Symbols and designs depending on the natural resources available to make Native American paint.
Native American Indians - Winter Symbol
Native American Indians had a highly complex culture, especially those who lived on the Great Plains.
Their religion was dominated by rituals and belief in a spiritual connection with nature and these beliefs were reflected in the various symbols they used such as the Winter symbol.
The clothes, tepees and all of his belongings was decorated with art and included symbols depicting his achievements, acts of heroism, his various spirit guides or the most important events in his life. Every symbol used by an American Native Indian had meaning which can be accessed from Symbols and Meanings.
The Winter Symbol
Winter
- The Winter symbol of Native Americans
- Meaning, symbolism and interpretation of the Winter symbol
- Interesting facts and info for kids and schools
- Pictures, meanings, patterns and designs of symbols
- Native American Winter symbol meaning
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Winter. Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many symbols used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic of this section - Winter. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index - a great educational resource for kids.
