Christmas Across Native America | Smithsonian Voices
, 2022-12-21 16:36:51,
Michigan’s Anishinaabe women April Lindala, Linda Batiste-Cohen and Michelle Reed dress up in their tribal garb in anticipation of the holidays!” Photo courtesy of Michelle Reed
For the past several years, native friends have shared their Christmas plans and traditions with Smithsonian Voices. This year we have updated this story with new photos and quotes.
The introduction of Christianity to the Americas and the origins of Christmas can be controversial in native circles. The Europeans knowingly replaced the existing spiritual beliefs of the natives with the beliefs taught in the Bible. Cruelty and brutality often accompanied this indoctrination. However, it is also true that some tribes, families, and individuals embraced the Bible and the teachings of Jesus willingly. This complicated history is reflected here.
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Throughout the Indian Territory, native people have gathered in churches, missions, and temples to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by singing Christmas carols and hymns in their native languages. In some churches, the story of the birth of Jesus is recited in native languages. Some native churches also host Christmas plays using native sets and actors to re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ. Among Catholics, the Christmas Eve Mass traditionally begins in Indian communities in…
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