Gods and spirits
The Algonquin had many gods, animate and inanimate, but there was one greater god, the one who created the Earth. He was known by various names in different Algonquin groups ex. Gitche and Manitou, but is usually identified as the great rabbit. Then there were lesser spirits that controlled the elements and evil spirits that caused mischief, misfortune or even illness. They also had hero spirits that taught people the skills they need to survive.
They believed that the greater god created the world by using his magic power, he put all the animal on the planet and gave them corn and beans, but he was mostly recognized for his ability to overcome tricks or lies. They also believed that after death the spirits of the dead would go on to hunt the dead animals, they also believed that evil or bad people would go on to an unhappy place. Still everybody would go on to hunt the animals.
The Algonquin people were also great believers in witchcraft and were quite reluctant to disclose their actual names, fearing that enemies with spiritual powers would use them with malicious intent.
They believed that the greater god created the world by using his magic power, he put all the animal on the planet and gave them corn and beans, but he was mostly recognized for his ability to overcome tricks or lies. They also believed that after death the spirits of the dead would go on to hunt the dead animals, they also believed that evil or bad people would go on to an unhappy place. Still everybody would go on to hunt the animals.
The Algonquin people were also great believers in witchcraft and were quite reluctant to disclose their actual names, fearing that enemies with spiritual powers would use them with malicious intent.
Burials Immediately after someone died their corpse was dressed in their best clothing and they were bedecked in their finest jewelry. Sometime their face and chest were painted red to symbolize blood and death. Then they were laid on a mat or skin in the middle of their hut and some of their personal belongings were placed around them.
After sunset the women in the tribe would gather around the body to mourn. The grave was dug generally by old women; inside it was lined with bark, and the corpse was placed in it 4 sticks were laid across, and a covering bark was placed over the body and the sticks. Then finally the grave was covered in earth and the family said their last goodbyes. |