May 17, 2016
Image from: feather headress - indians.org
There is an amazing web site at www.indians.org that has wonderful information all in one place. Their article on the meaning of feathers to Native Americans is quoted here in part.
Feathers mean a lot to Native American Tribes. A feather isn’t just something that falls out of a bird, it means much more. The feather symbolizes trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, freedom and many more things. To be given one of these is to be hand picked out of the rest of the men in the tribe - it’s like getting a gift from a high official.
If any Indian is given Golden or Bald Eagle feathers it is one of the most rewarding items they can ever be handed. The Indians believe that eagles have a special connection with the heavens since they fly so close. Many Indians believe that if they are given this feather, it is a symbol from above. They believe that the eagle is the leader of all birds, because it flies as high as it does and sees better than all the birds.
Once an Indian receives a feather he must take care of it, and many will hang it up in their homes. It is disrespectful to hide it away in a drawer or a closet. An Indian will be given a feather to hold on to or to wear, and if they hold it they must put it out for everyone to see. This will be a constant reminder of how to behave. An eagle feather is a lot like the American flag, it must be handled with care and can never be dropped on the ground.
The only way an Indian can actually get one of these feathers is by doing a brave deed, like fighting off a bear or going up against the enemy. They were never allowed to wear the feather until they went in front of their tribal court and retold the story of their victory. It was at this time that they were allowed to put it in their headpiece. Only chieftains, warriors, and braves have ever been awarded this special gift. The next time you see eagle feathers in a headdress, think about how they were earned.
Feathers are featured very prominently in the Indian culture. The Indians used these feathers as a part of their ritual and as a spiritual tool. The type of feather being used became important when it came to its use in ceremonies; this is because of the meaning assigned to the particular feather type.
Typically the birds that supplied the feathers were eagles, hawks and crows. The eagle played a significant role in Indian rituals and these were the most prized feathers. They were placed in the headdress of warriors to represent the victories and successes they achieved in battles.
The reason for the significance of the eagle's feathers is directly attributable to the belief the eagle represented strength and honor. The bird's spirit was believed to be alive in the very feathers taken from it.
Today, the eagle feather has presented problems for Native Americans who continue to use them in their religious ceremonies; federal law prohibits the hunting of eagles and the possession of eagle parts. This law requires Native Americans to obtain permits allowing them to use eagles and their feathers for their religious practices.
Feathers have been used throughout history for bedding materials. These incredibly soft beds and quilts were luxurious items and were only used by the very wealthiest of families. It is believed the practice began in Northern Europe and soon spread around the world as a luxury that very few could afford.
The sixth century saw feathers or quills used for writing instruments. These early pens were created by shaping the hollow end of goose feathers so that ink could be held in the feather. The split in the feather allowed for writing and the hollow area held the ink. These early writing instruments were commonly used until the nineteenth century.
From the rituals of many cultures to the fashion industry, feathers are commonly used around the world playing a prominent role throughout society.
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