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Cherokee black drink
The Cherokee black drink was a ceremonial drink consumed during purification and renewal ceremonies under the ancient Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni moon ceremonies traditionally performed by the Cherokee or Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya people. There were many theories on what the black drink was and its true composition. Contrary to popular belief, the Black drink was not a hallucinogen or a virulent poison, although it did contain large amounts of caffeine, and consuming too large an amount of the black drink could cause convulsions and death. It was well known for its emetic properties and typically would cause intense vomiting.
Black drink was prepared from the roasted leaves and stems of the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), called by the Cherokee the Blue Holly Tree, native to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The active ingredient is caffeine. Black drink was reportedly used as a substitute for coffee and tea by southern colonists under the name cassine. The Black Drink induced vomiting if consumed quickly or large amounts were taken at one time, which was typically done during purification ceremonies.
One of the Seven Traditional Cherokee Clans, called today the Ah-ni-Sa-ho-ni ("Blue Clan") was originally refered to as the "Blue Holly" clan. The clan represented the fifth level of spiritual attainment which was purification of the mind, body, and spirit, and were called upon to prepare the black drink for ceremonial purposes in ancient times.
In the 1830s, the use of the black drink was forgotten and abandoned when the Cherokee removed to Oklahoma, where the Blue Holly Tree does not grow. Still, other ritual beverages (sometimes also referred to as "black drink" or "medicine") continue to be used in traditional rituals in Oklahoma.
The traditional beverage served to the Cherokee people following a Stomp Dance on the Ritual Stomp Dance grounds in Stokes, Oklahoma is made from seven secret roots gathered by each of the seven clans and given to the people after performing the Stomp Dance all night. This beverage, if consumed in large quantities, is also a strong purgative and emetic.
Category: Cherokee tribe
 Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Cherokee black drink", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki |
