September 4, 2016

2733 UNITED STATES - Native American Symbols


Native American symbols offer us a complete and reverent language of life, nature, and spirit. This language is unmatched in its depth and power. This language derives it's power from the fact that American Indians viewed all things - whether seen or touched - living or inanimate - as possessors of a spirit. Further, they recognize that everything in the universe holds a deeper meaning.

Native American symbols bring concepts to mind that surpass words. These pictographs convey profound beliefs and perceptions. The Native American Indian, as a whole, is constantly aware of its relationship with Mother Earth and her creatures. The spiritual goal of the Native American is to live in harmony with the universe. As such, every-day use of signs, symbols, fetishes, animal totems, and emblems is just as commonplace, as using these tools in celebrations and ceremonies.

Native American Symbols can vary in meaning from one tribe to another and across different regions. These symbols were used for a variety of reasons and on depicted on numerous objects. War paint, body decoration, used by Indian warriors contained secret symbols - even horses were painted with symbols.  Many were spiritual in nature conveying religion and beliefs.

Others conveyed immediate secret messages to other tribe members identifying specific clans. Some Native American symbols were specific to individual families and passed down from one generation to another. Others had a practical purpose such as providing directions or indicating a good hunting or designating an area for a specific purpose.

About the stamps
The first stamp is part of the series Apples, about which I wrote here. The following is part of the series Latin Music Legends, about which I wrote here. The last stamp, dedicated to Charlton Heston, is part of the series Legends of Hollywood, about which I wrote here.

References
Native American Symbols - Native Indian Tribes
Native American Symbols and Signs - Whats Your Sign

Sender: Denise 
Sent from Greenvale (New York / United States), on 24.10.2014
Photo: Bette Martin

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