Essay On Blackfoot Religion

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“All of the Blackfeet universe [is] invested with a pervasive supernatural power that could be met with in the natural environment” (qtd. in Hanes and Pifer). This statement represents the basic belief of the Blackfoot religion, which would be that an inescapable mystic force permeates the world and its inhabitance, including the simplest life forms (Johorey 3). Religion to the Blackfoot people is not only a spiritual connection to the world outside themselves, but it is also their way of life. Without their belief system, the Blackfeet would cease to be their own unique culture and their lives, so intensely dependent on their spiritual values, would no longer have a purpose. Their religion has no name and no religious doctrines; its origins being solely centered on oral folktales, passed down throughout time, that embody their religion and cultural beliefs. The Blackfoot religion is polytheistic, basing off of the natural world and its contents combined with ceremonial practices along with sacred medicine bundles, as well as an overall respect for life.
With the limitations of proper documenting devices, the Blackfoot religion had to rely heavily on oral communications of their spiritual history to allow their religion to stay alive over the centuries (St. Rosemary Educational Institution 2; Weiser 1). These oral communications were folktales and legends told by many members within the tribe, that talked about the “…beginning of time, the sun, moon, and stars, the formation of the earth, power of the animals, the wind, the clouds, and thunder and lightning” (St. Rosemary Educational Institution 2) which all played an immense role in the Blackfoot’s belief system (St. Rosemary Educational Institution 2). All those elements were ...

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... oral story, you can see that Blackfoot legends have a very simple idea of how the world was created along with a writing style that is very concise and modest, which allows for the story to be easily told over generations without being misinterpreted. Furthermore, this creation tale reveals the modernization of the Blackfoot community throughout time, because instead of an oral presentation, the folktale is recorded which has to involve the Blackfoot religions diminishing image over time.
The Blackfoot’s religious beliefs are very unique and intricate, involving polytheism, supernatural beliefs, and respect for nature. Although it’s dying out, it remains a religion that will not be forgotten due to its interesting beliefs. Its folktales have allowed for generations of the tribe to continue their religion over the centuries, making them a strong religious force.

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