First a hole was dug in Mother Earth, the old ones used a sharpened stick, the younger ones a shovel. Then tobacco was put in the hole, along with an apology for the hole, a request to assist Human Kind by providing a safe home for the sacred corn.

Next, a few dead fish, or fish offel was placed in the hole. Four to seven kernels of corn (fours and sevens being sacred numbers, four of the seasons, directions and plant and animal life, sevens for the cycles and rhythms of our bodies and the cycles of nature). Some earth was then placed back in.

Next, more tobacco, more prayers, to sister Beans, then more earth, more tobacco, more prayers and seeds of sister Squash. The final hole was filled in, watered and prayers of thanksgiving offered.

This was done with the new moon, when possible.

The corn grew tall. The Beans wound their way up the stalk, held and supported by the Corn. The Squash grew, covering the ground, keeping in the moisture and shading the roots.

Many different kinds of the three Sacred Sisters were grown, and not all corn was yellow, some was blue, purple.

Squash usually was orange, but some varieties were green or yellow. Some was not for eating but for making Ceremonial shakers (rattles) or specific medicines.

There were many different kinds of Beans as well. Some for soups, some for drying, and some for medicines.

My Grandmothers cracked corn soup, made with lye, was exquisite and I have never mastered the recipe, not having the patience for it, as it takes four to seven days.