The First Salmon Ceremony

In many Indian tribes there are many ceremonies. One ceremony is called the First Salmon Ceremony. This ceremony was really complex and had many special rites. It was the most important form of animal ceremonialism in the area demonstrating the importance of fish in the Indians' lives.

The purpose for this ceremony was to welcome the first salmon of the season and show respect to the salmon in order to ensure a good run. The Indians of the Northwest believed that if the salmon were not treated well, they would become offended and would stop coming back. They handled everything in a ritaul manner. First, their was a specific way to cut the salmon. Second, their were certain people that ate the salmon either cooked or raw. They also had a special way to prepare the salmon, and then the bones were floated back downstream. All of the first salmon was eaten and never fed to their dogs. When the salmon season came the Indians would suspend their entertaining games.

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