Ceremonies
Ojibwe spirituality is centered around their customs and beliefs, so it would seem natural for them to participate in many ceremonies. One of these rituals is for purification, dubbed Pkwenezige Pigitinigewin, in English: Smudging. In this ritual, one of the four sacred medicines (Sema, Kiishig, Mshkwadewashk or Wiingash) or sometimes all of them are used. Firstly, using matches or a lighter (some prefer matches) the sacred medicine is lit and the smoke is used to purify the mind, body and spirit. “Most people who smudge use a shell as a container, and usually eagle feathers are used to fan the medicines. If a person does not have eagle feathers, then other feathers are used, such as hawk feathers. The ashes that are left should not be thrown away, but scattered by the entrance at the door to symbolize that bad thoughts, words and feelings are not welcome inside.Talking, something we do every day is channeled into a ceremony, Kchitwaa noozwinkewin. In this Talking Circle, usually a topic is chosen and the people converse by strict rules. Usually an eagle feather or one of the four sacred medicines is passed around while one person leads the ceremony. There’s no limit on how many may join and how often this ritual may take place. The Ojibwe also participated in a common religious activity: Fasting (Kchitwaa Mkadekewin). Sometimes, this ceremony is done once in a person’s life. Elders say when one fasts the body gets weaker while the spirit gets stronger. “A person who is fasting applies ashes to his or her face, usually making marks on the forehead and cheeks. This is to show others that they should not speak to them. Beliefs and rituals play a very significant role in the Ojibwe’s culture.