Traditional Tobacco Use: Exploring the Culture of Native Cigarettes

Native CIgarettes have been around for centuries and vary in style and design depending on which tribe or community makes them. Used for ceremonial purposes as well as everyday life, they are a cornerstone of many Native American cultures.

The History of Native Cigarettes

Traditional tobacco was first introduced to Europeans by Indigenous Americans who had their own ways of using it. It was common to use tobacco for prayers, rituals, and diplomacy — a practice still practiced today. Eventually, the crops were cultivated by colonists and these practices were adopted across North America. As tobacco use expanded and different methods began to emerge, native cigarettes found popularity among various tribes and nations.

In the 1700s, natives began trading manufactured cigarettes made with their own tobacco preferences and techniques. Many Native Americans believe that the ritual of smoking native cigarettes is more than just a cultural practice, but a spiritual one as well. They consider the ritual to be a form of communication with the Creator or a higher power.

How Are Native Cigarettes Made?

Native cigarettes are typically made from organic tobacco or homogenized tobacco such as burley, Virginia, and oat straw tobacco. Depending on the tribe, some may add herbs and fruits to the mixture for extra flavor. Herbs like mugwort, mint, lavender, and juniper berries are often used and give the cigarettes a unique aroma. To make sure the cigarettes burn evenly, sticks or twigs are used to help hold the tobacco together.

To ensure age-old techniques are continued, many tribes require their members to learn the traditional methods of making native cigarettes. This helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the people and provide apprenticeship opportunities.

Ceremonial Uses for Smoking Native Cigarettes

Many natives use native cigarettes during religious ceremonies such as vision quests, sweat lodge, and blessing ceremonies. Smudging, which is a spiritual cleansing ritual, also requires the burning of native cigarettes. The smoke purifies the space and drives away negative energy. As part of a tradition to honor the spirit world, sometimes incense such as sweetgrass will be burned along with the native cigarettes.

Although cigarettes are primarily used during ceremonials or spiritual activities, they can also be used as a tool for socializing. Sharing a cigarette is an important way to create strong bonds throughout the tribal community. Native cigarettes are still often smoked in social settings today, as they provide a relaxing atmosphere for conversations to take place.

Lingering Impacts of Native Cigarettes

Cigarette use has become a major concern due to its link with health complications. Those who use native cigarettes must be aware of the risks associated with its usage, but it should also be noted that not all tobacco is created equal. Traditional types of native cigarettes contain fewer additives and chemicals than their commercial counterparts, making them a safer alternative.

Native cigarettes have a long history and continue to be a big part of many cultures. The significance that comes with smoking native cigarettes should not be discounted as it has become a sacred ritual within many tribes. While tobacco use carries certain risks, if done responsibly and in moderation, the tradition can continue to be passed down for generations to come.