What are the 7 Original Clans?
In many Native American cultures, clans play a significant role in the social and spiritual lives of their communities. A clan is a group of people who share a common ancestry, mythology, and cultural traditions. In this article, we will explore the concept of clans and introduce you to the 7 Original Clans of the Native American people.
What is a Clan?
A clan is an extended family that is bound together by ties of kinship, shared history, and cultural practices. Clans are often identified by a specific animal, plant, or natural feature that serves as a symbol of their identity. In many Native American cultures, clans are exogamous, meaning that members of one clan do not marry within their own clan.
The 7 Original Clans
The 7 Original Clans are a group of clans that are recognized by many Native American communities across North America. These clans are:
- Crane: Known for their wisdom and leadership, the Crane Clan is often associated with the spiritual leaders of their community.
- Loon: The Loon Clan is associated with the water and is often seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility.
- Fish: The Fish Clan is associated with the abundance of the sea and is often seen as a symbol of prosperity.
- Bear: The Bear Clan is associated with strength and protection and is often seen as a symbol of courage.
- Marten: The Marten Clan is associated with the forest and is often seen as a symbol of resourcefulness and adaptability.
- Bird: The Bird Clan is associated with the sky and is often seen as a symbol of freedom and spirituality.
- Deer: The Deer Clan is associated with the land and is often seen as a symbol of innocence and purity.
Roles and Responsibilities
Each clan has its own set of roles and responsibilities within the community. For example, the Crane Clan is often responsible for leading ceremonies and spiritual practices, while the Loon Clan is often responsible for maintaining the balance of nature. The Fish Clan is often responsible for providing for the community’s food needs, while the Bear Clan is often responsible for protecting the community from harm.
Clan Mothers
In many Native American cultures, the Clan Mother is a respected elder who is responsible for guiding the clan and maintaining its traditions. The Clan Mother is often seen as a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and strength.
How Clans are Chosen
Clans are often chosen based on a person’s ancestry and cultural identity. In some cultures, a person’s clan is determined by their parents or grandparents, while in others, a person may choose their own clan based on their personal beliefs and values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7 Original Clans are an important part of Native American culture and identity. Each clan has its own unique role and responsibilities within the community, and they are often associated with specific animals, plants, or natural features. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each clan, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities.
Table: The 7 Original Clans
| Clan | Symbol | Associated with | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane | Wisdom and Leadership | Spiritual leaders | Ceremonies and spiritual practices |
| Loon | Peace and Tranquility | Water | Maintaining balance of nature |
| Fish | Abundance and Prosperity | Sea | Providing for community’s food needs |
| Bear | Strength and Protection | Land | Protecting community from harm |
| Marten | Resourcefulness and Adaptability | Forest | Maintaining community’s connection to nature |
| Bird | Freedom and Spirituality | Sky | Representing community’s connection to the divine |
| Deer | Innocence and Purity | Land | Representing community’s connection to the earth |
References
- "The 7 Original Clans" by Native American Rights Fund
- "Clans and Tribes" by Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
- "Native American Clans" by Encyclopedia Britannica