Seven ancient ceremonies formed the yearly Cherokee religious cycle. Six of the ceremonies took place every year, while the seventh was celebrated only every seventh year. These sacred ceremonies were held between March and November, and were held on the phases of the crescent or new moon.

The First New Moon of Spring Ceremony

The First New Moon of Spring Ceremony took place when the grass began to grow and the trees sent out their pale new leaves, around the first new moon of March. This ceremonial festival initiated the planting season and incorporated predictions concerning crop success or failure. It lasted seven days and included dancing and the re-lighting of the sacred fire by the fire maker. The ceremony included sacrificing a deer tongue in the fire. All the home fires were extinguished and rekindled from the sacred fire’s coals. …Read more about the seven sacred Cherokee ceremonies

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