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Indian Lore- Six
Native American Folklore & Superstition:
General
Many tribes- Gender-crossing is acceptable in many NA tribes, and includes complete role reversal, although not necessarily homosexuality; however, men are allowed to marry other men in many tribes. Cross-gendered men and women are called ‘berdaches,’ and are often a respected group of people who hold special ritual functions not open to other, regularly-gendered people.
Many tribes- Visions and helping spirits should never be discussed, except with the shaman or elder of the village.
Many tribes- Men are often restricted from speaking to, or even seeing, their mother-in-laws.
Seminole- A person whose breathing while asleep sounded like a chicken is possessed by a cannibalistic spirit which leaves their body at night and eats humans.
Seneca- Brides-to-be bake specially shaped loaves of bread (usually dumbbell or double-breast shaped) to their future husband’s house to ensure a smooth, auspicious wedding ceremony.
Various tribes- Masks have great ritual importance & should never be disrespected.
Cree- If you make light of or disbelieve in the Memekwesiwk, a group of water sprites, they will cause endless mischief in your life until you formally apologize to them.
Navajo- The reason certain evils are present in this world is explained by a story. A hero named Monster Slayer is able to slay all of the evil monsters of the world except for Sleep, Hunger, Poverty, Lice, and Old Age, which escape from him and still haunt the world.
Pima- The road of life is a constantly shifting labyrinth, moving back and forth, ‘sifting’ us closer & closer to the center, as long as we don’t fight it.
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