Corn is a very special plant to the Oneida Nation and goes all the way back to our Creation Story when Sky Woman first fell from the Sky World and brought the corn seeds with her. Corn is one of the plants that we call the "Three Sisters," the other two plants are beans and squash.
The Oneida people, or as we call ourselves, Onayote' a:ka, meaning "The People of the Standing Stone," have been agriculturists since the beginning of our time on Turtle Island. Corn, beans, and squash were grown together in a special way so that they thrived from one another, and the three sisters have been our main sustenance throughout our history, and plays a major part in our culture.
Corn, or maize, is originally from the Americas and has different meanings to different Native Nations around the Americas and Canada. There are many ceremonies in which corn plays a large role.
To me, corn represents the fall harvest, a joyful time of year when the colors are brilliant shades of oranges, yellows, and browns. Indian corn is a perfect example of our Earth at Autumn time, which also happens to be my favorite season.
I should also mention that Indian corn is a current day decorative item, and that yellow corn or sweet corn is different today than it used to be due to human and natural manipulation. However, it still plays a large role in many Native Nations throughout the Americas.
