Native American Snakes Research Paper

Snakes of Different Cultures Most, if not all, cultures see specific creatures as important to their society or even their creation story. Some creatures cross over into many cultures, but each people group views the creature differently. Snakes are common creatures that are referenced in many cultural and mythological stories throughout history. Snakes are viewed as evil in Christian culture, full of life in Geek Mythology, and a sources of empower in Asian culture. The way a people group regards a creature affects how a story is perceived by the people hearing the story. The most popular Biblical belief about snakes is that snakes are devilish and full of evil intent. This belief is supported in the Holy Bible in many instances. For example, the …show more content…
Many Native American cultures see snakes as vengeful and violent, while others see them as spirit animals of medicine. The Midewiwin medical society uses medical bags made of snake skin as a result of their belief in the healing powers of snakes (Redish). Few tribes believed in the medical benefits of snakes but rather thought of snakes as symbols of justice. Laura Redish and Orrin Lewis explain, "In the folktales of other tribes, Native American snakes enforce a rough type of justice, and breaking laws or violating taboos may cause a person (or his family) to be bitten by snakes." This belief caused some Native American peoples to have a sense of respect for the snakes as the disrespect of a snake could have deadly consequences. Many Native American tribes agree that snakes are bad luck so to have a snake in the house was a danger even if the snake was considered a pet. In Native American culture snakes are both respected and feared. Based on the Native Americans' beliefs the Native Americans may view the Biblical event with the snake a punishment for the action made perfidiously of Adam or