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Traditionally stuck like superglue, currently loud and proud in the here and now. A tribe is often something a person is born into. Parents, parent's parents, and so forth have all been members. It travels in the blood, it travels with the traditions, often with a language uniting tribes as well. Tribes have historically conquered other tribes. Such tribal warfare continues to this day, in every corner of our world. However, a tribe does not have to limit an individual from participating in society, nor from participating in the country they are born in. Unfortunately, being a member of a tribe often brings with it harsh discrimination from others who have long left their tribal origins. Let's face it. Human beings come from Africa and we've all been part of a tribe somewhere in the history of our family's origin. I repeat. Tribal members are often treated harshly by others. They are viewed as different and undesirable to be around. Many times they are envied for their rich cultural traditions and weird views of nature, time, and development. I have felt such discrimination as being a tribal member. Though the mainstream media thrives on kindling an animosity between tribes, that animosity can not remain alit forever. At one point, I stepped back and got perspective. I saw my tribe from outside and chose to remain a member. This was a conscious decision which to this day, I still am harassed because of, as my family has been for a very, very long time. Nevertheless, I believe in my roots. I may not always agree with the customs and traditions of my tribe, so I respect and create my own personal views and traditions. Am I proud to be a member of my tribe? Do I feel honor? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. My feelings change and my spirituality does too. Sometimes I feel it, sometimes I don't. And yet, I remain a member of my tribe. Sometimes practices seem antiquated and silly, other times they seem beautiful and enlightening. However I accept that this world is made of water and land and that it spins unstoppably. I dig that and embrace my tribal identity. In addition, I do not feel that it limits me from anything in life. Aside from criticism and attacks on me because of other members of my tribe who have done things I don't agree with, I live comfortably without hiding my identity. I have had the immense honor to spend some time with the Nahuatl tribe of Guerrero, Mexico and the Mapuche tribe in the Araucania, Chile. They are preserving their cultural traditions and their language, as am I. This introduction has intended to allow the reader to have an open mind when reading about my tribe, without the undue criticism that is often accompanied by the mere mention of my tribe. I appreciate your respect and courtesy while continuing. [disclaimer: this is my interpretation] |
Some information about us: In my tribe, there is one Creator, neither male nor female, and this creator represents all which can not be identified. Said Creator created life, earth, and everything else we know and don't know. Traditional foods and large families are staples of what we believe in, celebrate, and share. My tribe once had a big temple to meet at but it was torn down by an occupying army. It was rebuilt, but then torn down again by another occupying army. Suddenly, our shamen and tribal leaders had to disperse to save our culture and traditions. This changed a lot. In an instance, there was no central place to meet, like Tikal for the Maya. As a result, we are still spread around the world. One day in the tradition of my tribe is actually from sunset to sunset. The new day begins at sunset, in Gregorian time that means around 8pm although clearly that varies based on where one lives. Thus, our calendar has no fixed time at which each new day begins, unlike 12 midnight always being the beginning of a "new day" in the Gregorian calendar. Rituals and ceremonies include: ** Celebrating the beginning of each lunar month with music and dancing, including the blowing of the shofar (a ram's horn -- called "chuchuka" in the Mapuche culture of Southern Chile). The new month begins when the first sliver of moon is sighted. Our calendar is lunar. ** Dedicating every seventh day to enjoying life and replenishing our souls. Time with friends and in nature is encouraged. Hanging out and relaxing too. Whereas the land is a common claim of many tribal peoples, I do not feel a connection to any one piece of earth. My tribe is dispersed all over the world and have suffered so many forced evictions, having to immigrate so many times, that for me there is not one "holy land". For me, ALL LAND IS HOLY. I feel blessed to be part of nature and I am not ashamed to say so. I respect all of the tribes on earth, even if their customs are foreign to me or very far from my comprehension today. All language is a means of communicating and I am fascinating by each and every language and dialect on our earth. Personally, creation and expression are the most powerful weapons on earth, and can be used as a defense without physically harming anyone else. |