Native American Story of Black Elk
Native American Story of Black Elk
Black Elk tells a story about his family, his tribe, his people, and the circle of life. But most of all Black Elk speaks about his life and his spiritual journey. This is a story of a shaman and as he speaks we go deeper and deeper into his vision from his colorful words we are able to catch a glimpse of Native American religion and their spirituality. By the symbols and Black Elk’s poetic words, we are able to get a clear idea what his religion is about and how it affects them in their daily life.
Black Elk speaks about his culture and his traditional way of life. Appreciating nature and giving thanks to mother earth is what the Native American strives on and lives for. Unlike the white man who came to America looking to control and take over, using all the natural resources and taking what is in front of their eyes, the Native American is about balance and taking enough so there would be more for tomorrow. Appreciating earth and nature is where most of their religion and symbols come from. The buffalo hide is a symbol for all the good things in life. The Native American uses buffalo and bison for everything, from food to clothing, they do not waste anything. The eagle on the other hand is a symbol for lifting of the spirit. Because of their soaring and mountainous flight. The morning star is another symbol that is important in their culture. The one, who sees the morning star, is the one with wisdom. Seeing Venus is a symbol of attaining wisdom.
The Native American not only celebrates nature, but spirits as well. They celebrate the west, which is the color of black. It symbolizing rain and giving life. The north is the color white, it symbolize wind and the winter. The east is the color red, and it symbolizes the sun and the summer time. The south is the color yellow and it represents warmth. These are the four spirits. The Native American uses chants to go into a spiritual stage to contact with the spirits. Having leaders and medicine men chanting and going into “dream time” is a big part of Native American culture.
Black Elk for most of the book was caught between the ecstasy of his vision and the tragic world in which...