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Pictured is an early
ceremony involving houseposts. Usually these posts Our Coast Salish ancestors were holistically spiritual in many regards. Everything in the world was related and intertwined with another. This balance demanded respect and thanks at all times and in all actions. The spirit world was not only a place for the dead but also was the transition point in which animal, human and mythical beings pass through into the world. Through visions, our ancestors were able to transcend from the known world into the spirit world in order to receive instruction from the spirits that exist there. An example can be demonstrated by looking at one of the ceremonies that our ancestors practiced. The annual salmon harvest was held with special reverence. It was believed that the salmon were like people in the salmon world and that when they returned to the rivers or oceans they were transformed into the salmon. People believed that these salmon were to be respected and honoured, because they were giving their flesh to humans. The Coast Salish held a wide range of spiritual customs ranging from the annual salmon harvest to the rights of passage for boys and girls. Ceremonies would be witnessed by a family, the whole community or neighboring groups. These ceremonies would last a few hours or a few days depending on the size of the village and what ceremony was being performed. Only certain gifted individuals from each community were selected to practice shamanism. There were numerous ceremonies in honour of various creatures and forces of nature. Evidence of spirituality is well-illustrated by viewing the houses in which our ancestors lived. The front entrance is supported by two or more carved posts. On them is a human-like figure with an animal figure to represent protection. The animal figure is meant to ward off evil spirits and defend the in habitants the house. Pictured below is a ceremony in which many people were involved, all of which would have received gifts of thanks for witnessing and participating in the event.
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Spiritual & Cultural Yesterday |
