The power of women

The woman was the microcosm of Mother Earth in giving life. The Indians venerated women for this reason and sometimes feared their powers. They regarded the first menstruation as a period of extraordinary power and potential dangers, similar to other times of transition, in which the body was in a state of physical and spiritual instability.

The young woman used to be isolated in a small hut apart from the village as part of the transitional rituals that mark the first menstruation. He was explained to several taboos that he had to comply with during his subsequent menstruation, including the belief that menstrual blood was a highly dangerous substance and that if mixed with sacred objects it could take away its power and cause disease. For many women, it was a great challenge, as every month they spent several days unable to perform their daily tasks. Moreover, it was a period of recovery and rest.

The Lakotas referred to the periods of isolation during the Isanti menstruation as "living in solitude". Menstruation was believed to be a natural purification, so women did not need to undergo the traditional ritual cleansing in the sweat shelter, as men did.

The first Kinaalda is carried out to honor the menstruation of the figure called the Changing Woman, who is the daughter of the First Man with the First Woman and the ancestor of the Navajo, four days after birth. Even today, the Kinaalda is used as part of the "path of blessings", a cycle of ceremonies that includes all the Navajo transition rites.

Women growing corn

Women play an important role in many sacred corn ceremonies, and the creation of this cereal is usually associated with a female figure. According to the Cherokee belief, the first woman, known as Selu ("Maize"), gave birth to the first plant after rubbing her belly. At the green corn ceremony, Selu, who also created the first green Jewish women from her breasts, is honoured by young people carrying baskets with the first plants harvested of the year.

The Zuñis and other Southwest Indian peoples believe that the Six Maize Wives were the first people to grow corn. Two kachinas sisters (spirits) called the Blue Corn Girl and the Yellow Corn Girl participate in rituals commemorating the return of the sun during the hopis' New Year celebrations, which take place during the winter solstice season.

According to the orders, Túnica de Buena Piel founded the Cow Society, a group of women who were responsible for different aspects of the planting, care and harvest of corn, as well as various rituals related to the corn ritual. The cows generally had an average age of thirty years, but could incorporate into society much earlier. The maize priest oversaw their activities and gradually increased their rank.

During the corn growing season, the Cow Society performed dances that were related to the migration of these birds that represented the grain and considered messengers of the Old Man Who Never Dies, who was responsible for their growth.