Kindness is a universal human value that is important in all cultures around the world. Throughout history, Native American tribes have used various symbols to represent concepts like kindness, compassion, and generosity. These symbols were often depicted in art, incorporated into ceremonies, and passed down through oral traditions. Understanding the origins and meanings behind Native American kindness symbols provides insight into Indigenous worldviews and principles.
The Symbolism of Animals in Native American Culture
Animals played an important role in the cosmology and symbolism of many Native American tribes. Certain creatures were seen as embodying positive traits like kindness, while others represented wisdom, strength, or other virtues. For example, horses were revered for their speed, stamina, and grace. Eagles were admired for their keen vision and ability to soar high above. Bears denoted inner knowledge, introspection, and healing. Deer embodied gentleness, sensitivity, and kindness.
Native Americans observed animal behaviors and found deeper meaning in them. The selfless devotion of a mother wolf caring for her pups was a sign of unconditional love. The busy gathering of food by ants showed hard work and community cooperation. The giving of milk by a doe to her fawns displayed nurturing kindness. By learning from nature, Native Americans gained perspective on how to live virtuous lives.
Kindness Symbols from Different Tribes
Various Native American tribes used different symbols and animal imagery to convey the concept of kindness. Here are some examples:
Deer
For many woodland tribes of the Northeast and Great Lakes regions like the Iroquois and Lenape, the deer was regarded as an emblem of kindness. Deer were seen as gentle, peaceful creatures that walked softly through the forest without harming other living beings. Their large eyes conveyed sensitivity, compassion, and openness. Deer antlers symbolized spreading goodwill and benevolence to others.
Trees
Coastal tribes like the Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuxalk associated towering trees like cedars with qualities like strength, resilience, generosity, and compassion. Their long lifespans and constant offering of food, medicine, and shelter to people and animals made them symbols of kindness. Carved wooden masks depicting human and animal traits often included tree designs to invoke benevolence.
Butterflies
For Southwestern peoples like the Hopi and Zuni, butterflies carried deep meaning related to change, beauty, and kindness. Their metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged insect signified personal growth, transformation, and the unfolding of inner potential. Butterfly imagery in artworks and rituals signified hope, renewal, and gentle generosity of spirit.
Spiders
Though sometimes feared, spiders wove spiritual meaning for tribes like the Navajo and Pueblo peoples. Spider legs stretching out in four directions connected to the Four Sacred Mountains marking the boundaries of the tribe’s homeland. Spiderwebs epitomized the interconnectedness of community and illustrated the kindness and responsibility shown between members of a clan or tribe.
Carrying Sticks
Plain tribes like the Comanche and Kiowa made carved wooden canes called carrying sticks. These were inscribed with symbols representing values like charity, mercy, hope, and goodwill. They served as tangible reminders to walk the path of kindness and righteousness. Elders would gift younger generations carrying sticks to pass on tribal morals.
Potlatch Ceremonies
For tribes of the Pacific Northwest like the Tlingit and Haida, elaborate ceremonies called potlatches celebrated important community events. Kindness and generosity were on full display at these gatherings. Host clans would work for months to amass huge amounts of gifts representing their wealth. During the ceremony, gifts were distributed to all guests in demonstration of the hosts’ abundant kindness, prosperity, and goodwill. The more the hosts gave away, the greater their status. By generous reciprocation, the potlatch upheld tribal social bonds.
Kindness in Native American Folklore
Lessons about compassion and generosity were also encoded in Native American oral traditions. Stories passed down for generations featured animal characters and supernatural beings that modeled kind behavior. Through these tales, listeners learned that kindness towards others enhances the general welfare.
For example, a legend might tell of a starving deer who is shown kindness by a rabbit willing to share his food. The deer later returns the favor when the rabbit is in need. A spirit of mutual aid and compassion benefits all. In this way, Native American folklore offered examples for how to live with wisdom, empathy, and goodwill.
Quotes About Kindness from Native Americans
Historic Native American leaders often spoke of the importance of kindness, as evidenced by these inspiring quotes:
“Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.” – Theodore Isaac Rubin
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
“One of the most spiritual things you can do is embrace your humanity. Connect with those around you today. Say, I love you, I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you.” – Anthony Ray Hinton
Conclusion
For Native Americans, portrayals of animals, natural elements, rituals, folklore, and wise words all worked to communicate the importance of kindness within communities. This emphasis on benevolence, compassion, and generosity speaks to a people seeking to live in balance, promote social cohesion, and care for their tribes. Respect for these traditional Native American kindness symbols can enhance cross-cultural understanding and inspire more goodwill in the world today. When we open our eyes to the messages around us and follow the examples set, each one of us has the capacity to reflect the kindness found everywhere in nature.
Table Summary of Native American Kindness Symbols
| Tribe/Region | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Iroquois/Northeast | Deer | Gentleness, compassion |
| Kwakwaka’wakw/Pacific Northwest | Cedar Trees | Generosity, benevolence |
| Hopi/Southwest | Butterflies | Transformation, hope |
| Navajo/Southwest | Spider Webs | Interconnectedness |
| Comanche/Plains | Carrying Sticks | Charity, goodwill |
| Haida/Pacific Northwest | Potlatch Ceremony | Gift-giving, reciprocity |