In early America’s southeastern frontier, its tribes held an important festival every year to thank the Maker of Breath for their most important food staple—corn. Called the Green Corn Ceremony, the English-speaking settlers referred to it as the Busk Ceremony for the Native American word, puskita, which means “to fast.”
Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole celebrated it when their corn first became ripe. Though these tribes’ ceremonies had a few minor differences, it was a time of renewal for all of them. What I share below is a brief, general overview of this ceremony’s rituals and events.
In every village, a sacred fire constantly burned on its central square throughout the year, and members also had their own personal fires in their homes. They believed their sins contaminated these fires. Thus, to renew their lives, these fires were put out on the ceremony’s first day after an opening ritual. Also, for the first day or two, the tribes fasted.
After the fast men drank a liquid concoction the settlers called the Black Drink, for its color. A sort of tea that resembled coffee, it was a purgative and a symbol of purification made from boiled yaupon holly.
During this time, everyone worked hard to clean their village and homes and repair various structures. The square was swept to the point where it was immaculate, and it was kept that way throughout the festival. Old pots were broken. In the 18th century, they discarded or destroyed old clothes. In the 19th century, clothes and other things were repaired.
Another facet of the ceremony included lectures from the tribal elders about right living, forgiveness, and behaving morally. Except for murder, all crimes were forgiven and the village’s members made amends with each other for the offenses they’d committed.
On the ceremony’s final day, a new sacred fire would be lit, its flame then carried to relight the fires in individual dwellings. Afterward, the Indians feasted, danced, and played games.
The festive day would end, and a new day would dawn with everyone renewed for a fresh beginning.
Sources
Eric E. Browne, “Green Corn Ceremony,” Encyclopedia of Alabama, last updated March 27, 2023, Green Corn Ceremony – Encyclopedia of Alabama.
Justo, “Significance and Meanings Behind Traditional Seminole Celebrations,” Native Tribe Info, April 3, 2024, Significance and Meanings Behind Traditional Seminole Celebrations.
“The Green Corn Ceremony,” Native American Net Roots, May 5, 2011. The Green Corn Ceremony | Native American Netroots.
The Author's Cove: John "Jack" Cunningham on Writing & History 
We would have done well to take a few lessons from these healthy people. This ceremony reminds me of “day of atonement,” “sabbatical,” and “jubilee.” All straight from the Word of God. (I would have loved to have known what was in that Black Drink.)
I am deep into research of the 5 civilized tribes here in OK after the “removal.” I continue to be fascinated. And sometimes broken-hearted at their unfair treatment.
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I thought the same thing regarding the “day of atonement” when I was researching this. And yes, I agree. we can learn lots from them. I am hoping to one day purchase an American beautyberry shrub, native to my state, that they used as a mosquito repellent. I heard a botanist give a lecture on this plant a few years ago. It does work, as scientists have discovered several chemicals in it that mosquitoes don’t like and thus, avoid.
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Keep me posted regarding that shrub. I want to know more.
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I will do that. I haven’t found any at nurseries yet. Hopefully, I will.
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