How should i prepare tobacco for indigenous ceremony

[ChinaVoodoo]

So I'm in university and am writing a psychology paper that will have me interviewing various indigenous people about certain topics to do with ceremony. A Cree classmate will be helping me to connect with people for interview and she told me ahead of time that I should give gifts of tobacco to them.

I know there are a few Native American and Canadian First Nations members in the forum, as well as wise non - indigenous members who could shed light on the topic.

So I'll leave this out there.
Should I shred it? Maybe just give leaves, or a bit of both? Package it a certain way? How much is standard?

 

[GreenDragon]

I think that leaving it whole would be your safest option.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

Just stop by the local Casino, get a few cartons of tax free cigarettes...

 

[MarcL]

I believe what your asking about is proper traditional tobacco offering protocol.

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

I believe what your asking about is proper traditional tobacco offering protocol.

Yes

 

[deluxestogie]

There are these two specific threads:
http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/tobacco-varieties-before-columbus.181/
http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/buffalo-bird-womans-tobacco-garden.4101/

Some historical accounts of formal meetings between native tribes and representatives of the government(s) speak of offering tied tobacco hands, as well as offering twists. I don't have any references.

Bob

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

There are these two specific threads:
http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/tobacco-varieties-before-columbus.181/
http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/buffalo-bird-womans-tobacco-garden.4101/

Some historical accounts of formal meetings between native tribes and representatives of the government(s) speak of offering tied tobacco hands, as well as offering twists. I don't have any references.

Bob

Thank you Bob. An idea now is to do a braid with whole leaf tails hanging off, as well as include some seed pods.

 

[deluxestogie]

Sounds lovely.

Bob

 

[Charly]

A tobacco gift ! Sounds nice !
I agree with Bob, tied hands or twists might be the way to go !

 

[wooda2008]

So I'm in university and am writing a psychology paper that will have me interviewing various indigenous people about certain topics to do with ceremony. A Cree classmate will be helping me to connect with people for interview and she told me ahead of time that I should give gifts of tobacco to them.

I know there are a few Native American and Canadian First Nations members in the forum, as well as wise non - indigenous members who could shed light on the topic.

So I'll leave this out there.
Should I shred it? Maybe just give leaves, or a bit of both? Package it a certain way? How much is standard?

You have grown it yourself, and put your spirit into it. Small hands would be appropriate, as would a small shredded portion wrapped in a cotton cloth tied with a string.
I would talk more with your Cree classmate to see what would be appropriate for the individuals you are interviewing. The last time I gave a big hand of tobacco to a Cree he thought I was getting a divorce or something equally difficult, because to him the tobacco signified me coming humble for deep, deep wisdom. Equally important, the gift obligated him to help me.

 

[PeacePipe]

A little tobacco goes a long way in the traditional settings and ceremonies. Many people assume that the more the better, a lot like the axiom of bigger is better. But with this said, in general the more you offer to someone, the more they might assume of your need or intention. I have given tobacco in ceremony many times to pipe carriers and other faith keepers, elders as well as with anyone else that I have petitioned the spirits to intervene with and between. With the older ones they might just be a little suspicious if you are handing over large hands or say cartons like Hollywood movies (Brave heart) portrayed in the past, and even then you really only need a pinch unless you are preparing to smoke a pipe. As the pinch or small gift of tobacco is commonly smoked by those that carry pipes and it is usually laid down on the earth by others after accepting your offers of tobacco...

I hope that this helps others here understand the protocol and sacredness of tobacco exchanges between the many tribes that hold it in deep reverence as a mediator between world's ..

 

[burge]

Just stop by the local Casino, get a few cartons of tax free cigarettes...

Can't do that in Canada