UEM 2017

Origins of Corn

 Corn, also known as maize, is the most important food crop of the Americas, cultivated by hundreds of different tribes. A large number of Indian myths deal with the origin of corn and how it came to be grown by humans. Many of the tales center on a "Corn Mother" or other female figure who introduces corn to the people. Those women goddesses are associated with fertility.

 The Zuni people of the southwestern United States have a myth about eight corn maidens. The young women are invisible, but their beautiful dancing movements can be seen when they dance with the growing corn as it waves in the wind.

 Native Americans of the Southeast hold a Green Corn Dance to celebrate the New Year. This important ceremony thanking the spirits for the harvest. It involves rituals of purification and forgiveness and a variety of dances. Finally, the new corn can be offered to a ceremonial fire, and a great feast follows.

 Corn played an important mythological role in many tribes as well – in some cultures, Corn was a respected deity, while in others, corn was a special gift to the people from the Creator or culture hero. In addition to its importance as a food source, corn also played a ceremonial role in many tribes, with sacred corn pollen or cornmeal being used as ritual adornment and spiritual offerings.

(Texto adaptado, disponível em: <http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Ca-Cr/Corn.html e http://www.native-languages.org/legends-corn.htm>. Acesso: 25 jun. 2017)

Vocabulário

Female – feminina, mulheres

Maidens – moças, donzelas

Growing – crescendo

Waves – fazem ondas

Cornmeal – comida feita com milho

Harvest – colheita