Apache Life Interpretation Sign, Fly's Photography Gallery/O.K. Corral ~ Tombstone, Arizona
APACHE LIFE
R eligion was the cornerstone of Apache life. Their belief in the creation story, similar to that of Judeo-Christian religions, directed every aspect of their lives. Everything (rocks, animals, grass), had religious value. Prayer was an integral part of everyday life beginning with their morning prayers. Gathering of native plants and herb medicines required prayers of permission and thanks, as did hunting for game. "Blessings" were given for food, the sick and aged, and almost every activity in Apache life.
The high moral standards and social values of the Chiricahua Apaches compelled nineteenth century army officers and ethnohistorians to note that venereal disease was virtually nonexistent among this group.
Love of family was extraordinary. Remarkable were incidents of captives reluctant to be reunited with biological families, pleading instead, to stay with their adoptive Apache families. Children were spaced about 4 to 5 years apart, and childhood was comprised of seemingly unstructured play until the age or responsibility was reached. In reality, all play was actually traditional education; role-playing that would develop important skills needed to become productive members of the community.
Apache joking and laughter was part of their unique sense of humor that used indirect, non-malicious anecdotes to convey strong moral messages to youth and adults, and laughter permeated most Apache conversations. That humor and laughter continue to be an important part of their culture today.
Apache Life Interpretation Sign, Fly's Photography Gallery/O.K. Corral ~ Tombstone, Arizona
APACHE LIFE
R eligion was the cornerstone of Apache life. Their belief in the creation story, similar to that of Judeo-Christian religions, directed every aspect of their lives. Everything (rocks, animals, grass), had religious value. Prayer was an integral part of everyday life beginning with their morning prayers. Gathering of native plants and herb medicines required prayers of permission and thanks, as did hunting for game. "Blessings" were given for food, the sick and aged, and almost every activity in Apache life.
The high moral standards and social values of the Chiricahua Apaches compelled nineteenth century army officers and ethnohistorians to note that venereal disease was virtually nonexistent among this group.
Love of family was extraordinary. Remarkable were incidents of captives reluctant to be reunited with biological families, pleading instead, to stay with their adoptive Apache families. Children were spaced about 4 to 5 years apart, and childhood was comprised of seemingly unstructured play until the age or responsibility was reached. In reality, all play was actually traditional education; role-playing that would develop important skills needed to become productive members of the community.
Apache joking and laughter was part of their unique sense of humor that used indirect, non-malicious anecdotes to convey strong moral messages to youth and adults, and laughter permeated most Apache conversations. That humor and laughter continue to be an important part of their culture today.