YOU THINK FOOTBALL AND HOCKEY ARE ROUGH?
By Mary Adair
I did not know when I started writing Native American Romance that I would enjoy it as much as I do. But I struck out on the path, and what a journey it became. When I researched Cherokee culture for my Passion Series I was drawn in by the culture's richness from the games, the spirituality, and the love of nature and all creation. A good example of how even their games held a high place in their society and preparation for life is the game of stickball
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| Many players decorated their playing sticks with hair from animals such as horses or raccoons, hoping to match desirable qualities of that animal, such as speed or agility |
I am passing on the information I gleaned from a book written in that time period by James Adair, an ancestor of my husband’s. The game of stickball, also called “The Little War” was a favorite sport. This game was not simple and players wore no protective gear or helmets. It brought villages together, was used to teach team cooperation, bravery, agility, and brute strength.
The winners and the most accomplished players won respect and great honor. There was no such thing as cheating. From what I read in this old book, the game made football and hockey seem tame. But if someone were injured in the game, or even killed, there would be no retaliation.
The game could last for days but when it was over there would be a celebration. A blanket would be laid on the ground. Anyone wanting to participate in the dance describing the memorable plays would deposit an offering to be given to villagers who were in need.
The rewards earned by the players were comprised of honor and respect for their prowess, an experience that would aid them on the hunt and strengthen them for war. Their generous gifts to the needy endeared them to the villagers as well as bringing them honor for being providers and protectors of the people.
It was truly a time in history when one's very survival depended on honor, strength, and the strength of the village. You can read about one of these games in RAVEN'S PASSION.
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| A coming-of-age story of a young man and the girl who loved him in an era where one's very survival depended on honor, strength, and the strength of the village. |
RAVEN'S PASSION is now live on Amazon. I am so excited about the 5 star review it received from Readers’ Favorite! RAVEN'S PASSION is available from Amazon here.
The other books in the Passion Series are:
PASSION'S VISION, book one. A story filled with romance, excitement and danger and the first of the Passion series. This story features James Fitzgerald, an agent in the court of King George II, and New Moon, sister to Cherokee Chief Dancing Cloud. PASSION'S VISION was awarded the Betty Hendrick Award for Most Publishable Romance at the Dallas Writer’s Association.
PASSION'S PRICE, book three. The Great Spirit has blessed Golden Dawn with a gift of visions as great as those of her mother, New Moon. A vision sends Dawn to England to protect her childhood friend, Raven Cloud. Will she be strong enough to stand between Raven and the danger threatening him? Can she convince her beloved Raven their paths are destined to be joined forever while he denies his own passion to keep her safe?
Enjoyed your post, Mary! It amazes me, as a reader, the research that goes into your writings. Looking forward to reading your books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Karren.I apologize for not responding sooner. My internet has been on the blink due to weather. I do love to research Native American culture and have thoroughly enjoyed living in S.E. Oklahoma where there is so much respect for that culture.
DeleteMary, welcome to Smart Girls! Loved your post. So glad I don't have to play that game.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caroline. I love to watch the game during the Choctaw festival held in Talihina, OK. every year, but I could never do the game myself...even when I was young enough.
DeleteGreat post, Mary. Isn't it funny that, regardless of the century or the culture, men always indulge in contact sports that risk life and limb? *LOL* Stick ball makes football look rather tame, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteYes it does, Joan. At that time and in that culture it was so important to the way of life. There were so many lessons learned and taught, and they weren't all rough and rugged. I am so impressed by the lesson of caring for your village members in need. It was an honor to care for and to give to those in need.
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