A physical and spiritual food are the numerous species of cactus that grow in the deserts. In addition, they are a useful source of water in the middle of the desert, and the juice, pulp or fruits are often used during sacred ceremonies.
The pulp is wet under the resistant skin and the dangerous thorns thanks to the water that the plant accumulates as a preparation for the heavy droughts that they usually endure. The juice of the cactus is expressed and drunk fresh. The O'odham spruce boils the sweet juice of the savory until it gets syrup. This syrup is fermented and turned into watermelon, which is used in the annual ceremony to invoke rain.
The peyote is a thornless cactus that grows mainly underground. There is only one round button at the top of it that provides a hallucinogenic drug that is used for ritual and other purposes. The rites of the Native American Church are based on peyote, which is either eaten or drunk.
Native American Cultures: Myths and magic
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This book challenges deep-seated stereotypes and offers an enriching perspective that contributes to a more comprehensive and respectful appreciation of the indigenous peoples of North America. Through an understanding of their myths and beliefs, we are taking an important step toward cultural reconciliation and the recognition of the diversity that has enriched the history of this continent.
These mythical stories, many of them linked to the literary genre of fantasy, reveal a world where the divine and the human intertwine in narratives that explain the cosmic order, creation, and the fundamental structure of the universe. Discover how these sacred tales bear witness to the deep connection of the natives with nature and spirituality.
Native Americans: Population and Territories
Native Americans: Cultures, customs, worldview
Traditions, myths, stories and legends