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WHAT THE SEAL REPRESENTS
SEVEN ARROWS
Universe was sevenfold, with seven heavens and seven
directions-north, south, east, west, above and here
Ani-go-ti-ge-wi (wild potatoes) and the Ani-gilo-hi
(twisters).
COLOR OF RED-- Red represents the East direction of the
sun, sacred fire, blood life, the color of our people, the
color of power and success.
COLOR OF BLACK-- Black is associated with the Moon,
the souls of the departed, and the path we take on our
journey to meet our ancestors.
COLOR OF WHITE-- White is emblematic of peace and
happiness and warmth.
THE ROPE-- The rope that makes the circle represents the
unity of our people bonded together to form the Lost
Cherokee of Arkansas and Missouri, Inc.
FIRE-- Fire is given a variety of names in the sacred
formulas: ancient red, ancient white, and grandmother. The
fire and the Sun are sometimes considered the same and are
the most powerful forces in the universe. Although the Sun
and the Moon were considered supreme over the lower
creation, the most active and efficient agent appointed to
them from God was supposed to be fire to take care of
mankind. Therefore, when any special flavor was needed, it
was made known to fire, accompanied by an offering. Fire
was extended to smoke, which was deemed fire's
messenger, always in readiness to convey his petition to the
most high.
SUN-- The Sun was called upon to cure disease and a
priest usually asked the Sun's permission before gathering
medicinal herbs. The Sun's earthy representatives were
called upon to fight disease. The Sun was considered
supreme over the lower creation and brought warmth and
life.
MOON-- The Moon is regarded as a strongly protecting
older brother or sometimes as a maternal grandfather. The
Moon deity controlled Cherokee religious ceremonies. Its
crescent, or New Moon phase, establishes the dates for
planting. The Cherokee believed that the world was created
in the Autumn season when the fruits were ripe. Hence,
their new year began when the New Moon of October
appeared.
EAGLE-- Cherokee consider the eagle (Awa-Hili) sacred, a
great shaman, a symbol of peace, the one who flies close to
God. The eagle is the most revered of all birds.
SEVEN ARROWS
Universe was sevenfold, with seven heavens and seven
directions-north, south, east, west, above and here
Ani-go-ti-ge-wi (wild potatoes) and the Ani-gilo-hi
(twisters).
COLOR OF RED-- Red represents the East direction of the
sun, sacred fire, blood life, the color of our people, the
color of power and success.
COLOR OF BLACK-- Black is associated with the Moon,
the souls of the departed, and the path we take on our
journey to meet our ancestors.
COLOR OF WHITE-- White is emblematic of peace and
happiness and warmth.
THE ROPE-- The rope that makes the circle represents the
unity of our people bonded together to form the Lost
Cherokee of Arkansas and Missouri, Inc.
FIRE-- Fire is given a variety of names in the sacred
formulas: ancient red, ancient white, and grandmother. The
fire and the Sun are sometimes considered the same and are
the most powerful forces in the universe. Although the Sun
and the Moon were considered supreme over the lower
creation, the most active and efficient agent appointed to
them from God was supposed to be fire to take care of
mankind. Therefore, when any special flavor was needed, it
was made known to fire, accompanied by an offering. Fire
was extended to smoke, which was deemed fire's
messenger, always in readiness to convey his petition to the
most high.
SUN-- The Sun was called upon to cure disease and a
priest usually asked the Sun's permission before gathering
medicinal herbs. The Sun's earthy representatives were
called upon to fight disease. The Sun was considered
supreme over the lower creation and brought warmth and
life.
MOON-- The Moon is regarded as a strongly protecting
older brother or sometimes as a maternal grandfather. The
Moon deity controlled Cherokee religious ceremonies. Its
crescent, or New Moon phase, establishes the dates for
planting. The Cherokee believed that the world was created
in the Autumn season when the fruits were ripe. Hence,
their new year began when the New Moon of October
appeared.
EAGLE-- Cherokee consider the eagle (Awa-Hili) sacred, a
great shaman, a symbol of peace, the one who flies close to
God. The eagle is the most revered of all birds.