What types of Indian behavior, rituals and customs did Europeans typically
misunderstand or mis interpret? What myths of Indian society resulted? After
being isolated from Europe for so long it was only a matter of time before the
two wolrds collided, the simpler world of the indians with the more advanced
world of the europeans.
Not only was the European world different but the Indian world was
multifacted within itself. Out of the collision of these two worlds there was
bound to be some misconceptions and misinterpretations. The europeans often
misconstrued certain indian behaviors. The male indians were perceived to be
lazy since the females tended the fields as well as the home while the males
went hunting or fishing. Hunting and fishing to the europeans was a
reacreational activity not a necessity for survival.
It was customary for an Indian male to have arranged sexaul relations if his
wife was pregnant or nursing. the europeans saw this as indulging in every kind
of intemperance and wicked lust. The indians were seen as naive because they had
no interest in amassing wealth, therefore the europeans concluded that the
indians were childlike and not to be treated as equals. Indians were also seen
as heathens because they worshipped a large number of gods. The indians believed
in each being having a different level of manitou.
Out of this belief many different rituals were born. To appease or woo
powerful spiritual entities, individuals would pray and/or sacifice valuable
items such as furs,food, or tobacco but when the entire community sought divine
assistance to ensure successful hunts, good harvsets, or victories they called
upon shamans.
These rituals reinforced European beliefs that the indians were heathens.
Many myths of indian society resulted from European misconceptions. These myths
included but were not limited to: the indians being naive,blood thirsty
sasvasges who indulged in every kind of wicked lust and performed strange
rituals. the europeans unjustly labeled the indians because their way of life
was different. European perceptions were based on life as they knew it and they
felt that they way of life was the right way. Just because someone does
something a different way doesn't mean it is wrong or of lesser value.
