Feasts - In times of plenty feasts were almost daily affairs in Indian camps.  An Indian was always looking for an opportunity to give a feast or to attend one.  Sometimes Indians would eat for days - or until everything was gone.  It did not matter if the giving of a feast meant eating all the supplies in camp.  The Indian had his feast, as he believed the next day would take care of itself.

Some feasts were held at regular times.  The running of the salmon among the fishing Indians, the ripening of the corn crop or the acorn crop, the building of a dwelling, the marriage of one member of a family, or the time a baby was named - all called for feasts.

Indians gave feasts for their individual gods or spirits, and even for their dead.  Feasts were common after a successful hunt or victory in war.  many times a man just decided to give a feast and sent messengers to summon everyone in camp.

At some feasts women were not allowed to eat with the men.  At others the bones of the animals eaten at the feast were sacrificed in the fire and dogs not allowed to have them, as the Indians believed this would offend the living relatives of the animals.

There were some feasts known as "eat everything feast," an no one was allowed to leave any of his food.  However, the general idea at all feasts was for the Indian to eat as much as he could.

Related Information within this Site
[ Dog ][ Food ][ Hunting ][ Maize ][ Women ]