The cultural tapestry of the Creek Freedmen, descendants of enslaved people held by the Creek Nation, is rich with traditions that blend African, European, and Native American influences. Among the most poignant of these are their burial customs, rituals steeped in spiritual beliefs and practical considerations. These practices, passed down through generations, offer a glimpse into the worldview of a community that faced immense hardship and persevered with resilience and cultural pride.
The announcement of death within the Creek Freedmen community was often a dramatic affair. In the stillness of the night, the news would reverberate through the landscape in the form of gunshots. Repeated volleys, fired as quickly as the weapons could be reloaded, signaled the passing of a soul. This auditory announcement served as a widespread notification system, alerting those within earshot that mourning was underway and calling them to participate in the subsequent rituals. Once the announcement was made, the immediate family retreated, allowing the fire in the hearth to extinguish. They refrained from touching the deceased, a practice rooted in beliefs about purity and the proper handling of the transition from life to death.
The period between death and the formal funeral was governed by specific protocols. A constant fire was kept burning in the home of the sick, even during the sweltering summer months, until the person either recovered or passed away. The extinguishing of this fire symbolized the end of life’s flame.
The following morning brought a solemn gathering. Dressed in their finest attire, community members would congregate outside the home of the deceased. They stood respectfully in the yard, refraining from entering the house until the arrival of designated individuals. These individuals, often referred to as those "who had a right to touch and handle the dead," held a specific role within the community. The source of this right was not always explicitly stated, but it was widely understood to involve spiritual preparation. It was believed that these individuals underwent a form of ritual purification, possibly involving the consumption of "red root" and a thorough purging, before they could handle the body. This preparation was crucial, ensuring the safe and respectful handling of the deceased and protecting the community from any potential spiritual contamination.
Once the designated individuals had prepared the body, the procession to the graveyard commenced. Burial Customs Practiced by Creek Freedmen often took place in family plots, located either on the deceased’s property or on the land of relatives. These graveyards served as tangible links to ancestors and represented the enduring bonds of kinship.
Upon reaching the gravesite, a symbolic act of orientation took place. Gunshots were fired in the four cardinal directions: north, west, south, and east. This ritual, reminiscent of similar practices in other cultures, likely served to demarcate the sacred space of the grave, acknowledging the spiritual forces believed to inhabit each direction and perhaps warding off negative influences. The use of four guns, if available, amplified the significance of this act.
The interment of the body was accompanied by the placement of grave goods. Extra clothing, food, and even a cup of coffee were placed in the grave alongside the deceased. These offerings were intended to sustain the departed on their journey to the afterlife, reflecting a belief in the continuity of needs and desires beyond physical existence. The body was then carefully covered with strips of elm bark, forming a protective layer before the earth was returned to the grave.
As the final shovelfuls of dirt were thrown onto the grave, a seemingly contradictory act occurred: everyone present was expected to clap their hands and smile. This gesture, rather than indicating a lack of grief, likely symbolized acceptance of death as a natural part of the life cycle and a celebration of the deceased’s life. However, a strict taboo governed the behavior around the newly filled grave. Stepping on the fresh dirt was strictly forbidden, as it was believed to invite sickness and misfortune back to the offender’s home. This prohibition underscored the sacredness of the burial site and the potential consequences of disrespecting the dead.
Following the Burial Customs Practiced by Creek Freedmen, a protective shelter was constructed over the grave. Using poles arranged like a pig pen, the structure was then covered with elm bark to shield the earth from the elements. This shelter served as a temporary safeguard against rain and erosion, preserving the integrity of the grave until the earth had settled.
The community then returned to the home of the deceased, where further rituals were performed. The family would scatter some form of medicine around the property, likely intended to purify the space and protect it from negative energies associated with death. A new fire was then kindled in the hearth, symbolizing the renewal of life and the continuation of the family’s existence. Sometimes, a communal meal was shared before everyone departed for their own homes, further solidifying the bonds of community and offering comfort to the bereaved.
A recurring element in the aftermath of a death was the mention of the "stikini," often identified as a screech owl. The belief was that the stikini’s cries served as a premonition of death. Hearing the screech owl near one’s home was considered an ominous sign, foretelling the imminent passing of a family member. This belief highlights the close connection between the Creek Freedmen and the natural world, where animal behavior was interpreted as a harbinger of significant events.
Lucinda Davis, a Creek Freedwoman, provides a valuable firsthand account of these Burial Customs Practiced by Creek Freedmen. Her narrative, passed down through oral tradition, offers a unique window into the beliefs and practices of her community. While specific details may have varied from family to family and region to region, the core elements of these burial customs reflect a shared understanding of death, mourning, and the spiritual realm.
In conclusion, the burial customs of the Creek Freedmen were far more than mere procedures for disposing of the dead. They were deeply meaningful rituals that reflected a complex worldview, incorporating elements of African, European, and Native American traditions. These practices served to honor the deceased, comfort the bereaved, protect the community, and reaffirm the enduring bonds of kinship and cultural identity in the face of adversity. These burial customs are a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Creek Freedmen, providing insight into a community that has navigated the complexities of history while preserving its unique heritage.