 | Would you like to celebrate your Native American heritage, or honor the cultural contributions of North American Indians to the culture of the United States with a Christmas tree tribute? Here are at least fifteen ways to do just that.
Use some of the "Indian corn" from your harvest festival to decorate your tree.
Create God's eyes, which are meant to absorb evil that comes into the home, and only let good come through, by crossing two sticks into an X and weaving yarn of varying colors (preferably the darker colors should be in the center) in and out of the crossed sticks. When the yarn runs out or you are ready to start a new color, tie a new piece of yarn to the end of the old one and continue wrapping. Tie off the end. Seal with white glue if desired.
Dream catchers are also items of protection. Hang several small ones on your holiday tree.
Old Turtle and turtles in general are wrapped up in the creation myths of several Plains tribes. Be sure to include turtle ornaments in your Native American-themed Christmas tree.
Use loops of leather as ornament hangers. Scrapes of leather can be folded into cones and hung on the tree to hold tiny treats, like upside-down tipis.
Hang small turquoise drops (check jewelry supply shops and websites) on a few branches. String together beads made to resemble turquoise, available at craft supply stores and bead shops, to make a striking garland.
Hang beaded dolls and tiny cacti as ornaments. Corn husk dolls would also be appropriate.
Tie a bit of leather to the end of a few feathers and secure them to branches. Or arrange a few of them, quill down, and tie on to the top sprig as a unique Christmas tree topper.
Communion with nature in general and animals in particular is a significant part of the stories and belief system of most American Indian tribes. Include figurines of bears, wolves, and horses as Christmas ornaments.
Do you have a new baby in the house? Consider using a pair of baby moccasins as an ornament for Baby’s first Christmas.
Are you familiar with any of the traditional designs of your tribe? Paint them onto plain glass Christmas balls.
If the tribe in question is from a Southwestern region of the U.S., include images of the Kokopelli in your holiday decor.
There are several Native American nativity sets available on the market, as well as Native American angel ornaments. Avail yourself of these to round out the theme.
No one says that every Christmas tree has to be decorated in the same "traditional" colors. If your tradition is different, or you would like to honor the traditions of another culture on Christmas day, then go for it, but be respectful. It just might bring all of us one step closer to "peace on Earth and goodwill towards men."
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