北美印第安文化的缩影*--烟斗仪式的历史与现实意义探究

摘要

北美印第安人是世界上具有古老传统文化的少数民族之一，他们的文化不但源远流长，而且内涵深邃。烟斗仪式作为美国和加拿大印第安人文化体系和宗教信仰中的重要内容，是印第安人与“神灵”世界沟通的纽带，也是他们向上苍和祖先表达虔敬和感激的主要方式。从烟草到烟斗的各个部位都有深刻的象征寓意，烟斗仪式已成为北美印第安文化的缩影。因此，探究其历史与现实意义，对于我们了解印第安文化的精髓，尊重印第安人的习俗与信仰，寻觅我们内心与精神世界的平和与宁静，都是非常必要的。%North American Indian people are one of the ethnic minorities that possess traditional cul-ture of their own in the world,which has a long history and profound implications. As an essential compo-nent of Indian culture,Pipe Ceremony acts as a channel for them to communicate with the Spirit as well as a means to express their reverence and gratitude to the Nature and their forefathers. This ritual has devel-oped into a cultural epitome which has deep symbolic meanings,such as the use of tobacco and the bowl and stem of the pipe. Therefore,it is significant for us to learn about their cultural values and customs and look for peace of mind within each of us.