Red
by Olivia Colbert
The color red is rich with symbolism, evoking various meanings from love and passion to danger and sacrifice across different cultures. Red has great symbolic meaning in Native American culture; it represents life, blood, and sacredness. This essay will explore the various meanings of the color red within Native American traditions, its historical implications stemming from early colonization, and its enduring presence in the struggles and resilience of Native American people. Through examining these topics, we gain a deeper understanding of how a single color intertwines with the cultural identity and historical experiences of Native American communities.
Cultural Significance of Red in Native American Tradition
Powwow, a traditional gathering celebrated by many Native American communities, is rooted in ancient customs and communal activities that predate European colonization. Historically, these gatherings were held for various purposes, including spiritual ceremonies, socialization, and honoring significant life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. The term "Powwow" derives from the Algonquian word "pau-wau," which refers to a gathering of spiritual leaders or medicine men. Over time, Powwow has evolved into a vibrant cultural event featuring dancing, singing, drumming, and displaying traditional regalia. For Native American cultures, Powwows represent a vital expression of identity, resilience, and continuity, serving as a space to preserve and pass down cultural traditions, reinforce community bonds, and celebrate heritage with both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. During Powwows, red is prominently featured in the vibrant attire (regalia) worn by dancers, as well as in ceremonial objects and decorations. Regalia, a dancer’s outfit, is one of the many forms of self-expression that takes place during Powwow. Regalia is made up of many parts including moccasins (shoes), headdresses, breastplates, shawls, dresses, and many unique embellishments (ornaments) that you can customize your regalia with. There are different “ornaments” that can be added to regalia such as beads, cloth, and earrings, which vary tribe by tribe. Ornaments are often passed down by elders, but can also be used to distinguish dancers from one another, show royalty, and enhance the visual aspects of the dances being performed. The color is believed to possess protective qualities, warding off negative energy and spirits, and is used to invoke courage, vitality, and spiritual power. Additionally, the color red being showcased in the powwow may be to honor the warriors and veterans within the community, acknowledging their bravery, dedication, and bloodshed. The importance of red varies among tribes, but it universally reflects a deep respect for tradition, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all life (Shanley 1997). Through its use in Powwow regalia and ceremonies, red continues to be an expression of cultural identity and reverence for ancestral heritage.
In Native American cultures, red war paint carries rich and varied meanings, often symbolizing power, courage, and life. The use of red pigment in war paint has historical roots, with warriors applying it before battles to invoke strength. Red, derived from natural sources like ochre or clay, is considered a color of protection and is believed to shield the wearer from harm and evil spirits (Culture 2016). The specific symbolism of red war paint can differ among tribes. My tribe specifically, the Poarch Creek Indians, uses war paint as a representation of blood and life, serving as a powerful emblem of vitality and the will to survive and triumph in conflict. Yet for some tribes it is believed to be associated with the earth and the connection to the spiritual realm, enhancing the warrior's spiritual presence and focus. Beyond its martial connotations, red paint in ceremonial contexts can denote honor and respect. It is used in various rituals and dances to signify the presence of sacred energies and to pay homage to ancestors and the natural world. The placement of war paint is also very important as it means different things depending on the body part it is painted onto. In my tribe, paint on the face is to enhance vision and protection in battle, paint on the body is to protect any organs or limbs, and to indicate an eager readiness for battle. Lastly, paint around the eyes is to symbolize bravery. Overall, red war paint is a multifaceted symbol, deeply embedded in the culture of Native American traditions, embodying strength, protection, and a profound connection to heritage.
Historical Context of Colonization and the Labeling of Native Americans as "Red"
Colonial encounters between European settlers and Native Americans were marked by profound misunderstandings and stereotypical perceptions. Early European colonizers, upon their arrival in the Americas, encountered diverse and complex Indigenous societies. However, these interactions were quickly marred by the imposition of simplistic and dehumanizing labels, such as referring to Native Americans as "red." This label, rooted in racial stereotyping, had far-reaching implications, reinforcing notions of otherness and inferiority that justified the colonizers' oppressive actions. The colonizers systematically dispossessed Native peoples of their lands through treaties made under duress and theft, leading to extensive cultural erasure. This process involved not only the physical removal of communities from their ancestral lands but also the deliberate destruction of cultural practices and identities. The Trail of Tears epitomizes this era of forced displacement, where thousands of Native Americans were uprooted from their homelands, suffering immense loss of life and cultural heritage. Prayer towns are another example of how European colonizers tried to convert Native Americans to another religion and culture. Prayer towns were settlements around the United States that would separate Natives from their traditional lifestyles into a more “European” way of living. Boarding schools were often in or near these towns where Native children would go to school and be converted into this lifestyle eventually erasing their past. The term "red" symbolizes the bloodshed and suffering inflicted upon Native communities during this time, highlighting the violent and traumatic legacy of colonization.
Contemporary Issues and the Legacy of Colonization
The color and term red has emerged as a powerful symbol in contemporary Indian Country, representing the ongoing fight against systemic injustices and the solidarity of the Native American community. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) is a stark manifestation of the historical and ongoing colonial violence that has plagued Native American communities. This deep-rooted issue highlights the persistent marginalization and systemic injustices faced by these communities. The color red has emerged as a poignant symbol in the fight for awareness and justice for MMIP, representing both the bloodshed endured and the urgent call for systemic change (Native Hope 2023). Contemporary Native American struggles extend beyond MMIP, encompassing ongoing battles for land rights, sovereignty, and the contentious concept of blood quota, which affects the recognition of Native identity. Activism and movements within these communities prominently feature the color red, symbolizing solidarity and empowerment.
Imagine if your favorite sports team was called the Washington Stereotypes – you might begin to understand why calling the team the Redskins isn't exactly a touchdown in cultural sensitivity. The “Washington Redskins” is one of the many examples of how a Native American term was used by non-native people for a non-native purpose, which has been proved to be an offense to the Native American community. No one knows how the term “Redskin” began to circulate but there are many speculations and assumptions. Some believe it was founded by colonists after Native Americans were scalped (the blood-soaked skins), or that it was a term to refer to Native Americans meaning they were “red-skinned” people. Regardless of how this term was derived, it is still being thrown around without caution and intention. The first time I was introduced to this word was in my elementary school, to be exact, in 2nd grade. It was the week of Thanksgiving, right before winter break, when we had to choose whether to be a “Redskin” or a “Pilgram” during our “Thanksgiving feast.” Personally, I felt extremely uncomfortable as a Native American to see my peers and friends, who are not Native, dress up in my cultural attire while yelling war cries. As a child, you do not understand the implications of learning false information, as you do not deem it to be false. Elementary school is a pivotal time in a child’s life when they are first exposed to history, therefore it is extremely important to educate them on the sensitive topics that have happened throughout history, or not teach them at all.
Amid these challenges, efforts to preserve and revitalize Native American cultures and traditions are vital, with red serving as a significant element in cultural expressions and identity, underscoring the enduring strength of Native heritage (Hart and Lowther 2008). Native Americans around the world have chosen to rewrite their history by using this word as an empowering term. The Red Power Movement, Red Nation, and Red Warrior Camp are a few examples of movements that have used the word “Red” to distinguish themselves but in a positive and moving way. Although there is a lot of work to still be done, Native Americans are working to redefine and reclaim this word.
The color red holds deep significance in Native American culture and history, symbolizing life and blood. This essay has explored red's cultural importance, its historical context during colonization, and its ongoing impact on Indigenous peoples. Despite its historical usage by colonists, the color red is still a potent symbol of resistance, resiliency, and cultural resurrection in Native American tribes. The word red demonstrates the continuous resilience and survival of Native American peoples. While moving forward in this ever-evolving society, it is important to acknowledge how words impact communities and people.
Work Cited
Culture, Colour. 2016. “Colours and Native American Culture.” Berger Blog. November 1, 2016. https://www.bergerpaints.com/imaginecolours/colour-culture/colours-and-native-american-culture.
Hart, Rebecca A., and M. Alexander Lowther. 2008. “Honoring Sovereignty: Aiding Tribal Efforts to Protect Native American Women from Domestic Violence.” California Law Review 96 (1): 185–233. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20439173?searchText=Native+American+women+violence&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DNative%2BAmerican%2Bwomen%2Bviolence%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A568878a8d7f0db21aee76c4c14c617ac&seq=3.
Native Hope. 2023. “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).” Www.nativehope.org. Native Hope. 2023. https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw.
Shanley, Kathryn W. 1997. “The Indians America Loves to Love and Read: American Indian Identity and Cultural Appropriation.” American Indian Quarterly 21 (4): 675–702. https://doi.org/10.2307/1185719.