By: Hind Ahmed


Native Americans one of the greatest people of  all time Perhaps no other group of people has quiet the rich and storied culture as those of the native Americans. They have a history rich in struggle, strife, and triumph. So many aspects of our modern life were adapted from the old Indian cultures practiced centuries ago. Many familiar symbols that we take for granted were originated by them.

The teepee, totem pole, peace pipe, and moccains are just a few examples, But each of these symbols were actually integral pieces of a large picture that wove together the tapestry of native Americans life.
Everything from native plants and animals to housing to the weather became apart of the culture in Indian life. The animals were revered as spirits, and although they were hunted and killed, their skin and hides were used as clothing and drums, their meat was never wasted, and their spirits lived on in the mind of tribes. Plants were cultivated and harvested, and used for various things such as; dyes for blankets, the rain and the sun were considered to be gods, giving a sign to Indians as the seasons changed.
Totem poles were very integral parts of their culture.
The Indians belived that each person was assigned the spirit of a particular animal, and that their spirit was absorbed in to this animal in death. The totem pole was a large, tall wooden craving of various animal, each representing a family member of a loved one who had passed away. Many people see the dream catchers hanging from peoples car rear view mirrors, but few know their significance, the dream catcher is based on a legend told by the Lakota tribe. It refers to holding on to good things in life , while the holes in the catcher are there to filter out bad  thoughts  and feelings.