Contact for more information and application: Cherokee National Historical Society, Genealogy Office, P.O. Box 515, Tahlequah, OK 74465. Phone (918) 456-6007. Fax (918) 456-6165.
Interpretation of the design in the seal is found in Cherokee folklore and history. Ritual songs in certain tribal ceremonies refer to the seven clans, the legendary beginnings of the Cherokee people. A sacred fire was kept perpetually burning near the "town house" at a central point in the Nation. The Live Oak, the principal hardwood timber of the Carolinas, was used in this fire. In connection with this fire, the oak was a symbol of strength and everlasting life.
The oak represents the seven Cherokee clans. Because the oak tree is associated with the mysteries of the sacred fire, the wreath of oak leaves symbolizes the dauntless spirit of courageous Cherokee people. The mystic seven-pointed star and the wreath of oak leaves formed a symbol of great promise. Adopted shortly after the Civil War, it heralded a "glorious return" of the Cherokees, pledging their devotion to the highest ideals in their educational, industrial and religious life. The Cherokee seal was adopted by the National Council and approved by Principal Chief Lewis Downing December 11, 1871.
(The words of a very wise man! Thank you, Red Owle.)
by Jacqueline Henry (Bowles) Stephens
His mother was a proud,
full-blooded Cherokee --
squaw they called her,
which made him half-
breed & his son
a quarter.Guess I'm an eighth,
[being his daughter].
Ridiculous fraction,
an eighth. There are
half dollars &
quarter horses;
half pints &
quarter carats;
half 'n' half,
quarts of milk,
[fifths of booze],
but nothing ever
comes in eighths
except me.Cherokee --
beautiful name for
a beautiful people,
pipe-smoking lovers
of peace.
If after my death
[from causes unknown]
an autopsy is performed,
what would they find?
Dove feathers
encasing my heart?
Moccasins
lodged in my feet?
Beads & blankets
in my gut, if the
scalpel's cut were
w i d e enough to see?
In which eighth of me
would they discover
anything reminiscent
of the Cherokee?
Microfilm lists of American Indians:
http://www.nara.gov/publications/microfilm/amerindians/indians/htmlCherokee National Historical Society, Tahlequah, OK:
http://www.powersource.com/heritageCherokee NC Elementary School:
http://www.dnet.net/~cherokee/5th_grade/Texas Gulf Coast Cherokees:
http://www.lcc.net/~spirtwnd
Mistletoe was used in one of Virgil's poems and called a "golden bough" which is one of the names by which Mistletoe is known, birdlime being the other. The Botanical name for American Mistletoe is Phoradendron flavescens. Mistletoe is usually found in the branches of deciduous tree (trees that loose their leaves) and it grows all over the United States. Small white flowers appear on the branches of the Mistletoe from May until July and the small white berries appear in December.
Mistletoe has been used for many different ailments since the beginning of time; as a tonic, tranquilizer, for nerves and arthritic pain. It is said to have be a very effective sedative used in the treatment of Epilepsy and Palsy. The twigs and leaves are the parts of the plant used and it contains eleven proteins, a cardioactive polypeptide, saponins, resin, mucilage, phenolic acids, flavonoids, histamine, and traces of alkaloids. The actions of Mistletoe dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure and have strong sedative qualities. It has been noted for its anti-cancer and anti-tumor activities which are presently being studied in European clinics. A long standing controversy over the plants toxic effects on the liver remains to be proven.
Mistletoe or as it is known in Cherokee "OO-TAH-LEE" or Missledine, has been used by the Cherokee since time immemorial. The old medicine men say that the Mistletoe grown on the Oak tree is the best. The primary medicinal usage by the Cherokee was for the treatment of Epilepsy and uterine bleeding. The Mistletoe was not to be gathered until the last of November or the first of December as it was more potent during this time. It was dried, pulverized and used as a powder .
Mistletoe can be found in the 1903 version of the Materia Medica which states that the twigs and leaves of the Mistletoe plant have been used in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, asthma and other nervous affections. The American plant is said to possess qualities similar to Digitalis (thus the cardiac usage) and to stimulate uterine contractions. (for centuries herbalists have used Mistletoe in the treatment of uterine bleeding.)
As with any other medicine overdoses of Mistletoe can result in serious problems and should be used under the supervision of a trained herbalist or physician.
This medicinal parasitic plant has many wonderful uses. But, for many it has only been used to grace the overhead of a door during the Christmas and New Years season. Many of us not knowing exactly where or why this ceremony or superstition started. Mistletoe is not just a Holiday ornament, but another of the green medicines given to us from Mother Nature and The Good Earth.