The Sacred Symbolism of the Cherokee Rose
Discover the profound meaning behind an enduring symbol of resilience and hope—the Cherokee Rose and the seven sacred clans.
The Legend of the Cherokee Rose
A story of tears, hope, and unbreakable strength
In the latter half of 1838, when the Cherokee People who had not voluntarily moved west earlier were forced to leave their homes in the East, the trail to the West was long and treacherous. Many were dying along the way. The People's hearts were heavy with sadness and their tears mingled with the dust of the trail.
The Elders knew that the survival of the children depended upon the strength of the women. One evening around the campfire, the Elders called upon Heaven Dweller, ga lv la di e hi. They told Him of the People's suffering and tears. They were afraid the children would not survive to rebuild the Cherokee Nation.
"To let you know how much I care, I will give you a sign. In the morning, tell the women to look back along the trail. Where their tears have fallen, I will cause to grow a plant that will have seven leaves for the seven clans of the Cherokee. Amidst the plant will be a delicate white rose with five petals. In the center of the blossom will be a pile of gold to remind the Cherokee of the white man's greed for the gold found on the Cherokee homeland. This plant will be sturdy and strong with stickers on all the stems. It will defy anything which tries to destroy it."
The next morning the Elders told the women to look back down the trail. A plant was growing fast and covering the trail where they had walked. As the women watched, blossoms formed and slowly opened. They forgot their sadness. Like the plant, the women began to feel strong and beautiful. As the plant protected its blossoms, they knew they would have the courage and determination to protect their children who would begin a new Nation in the West.
The Meaning of the Cherokee Rose
The Seven Clans of the Cherokee
Each clan carries a sacred role and responsibility in traditional Cherokee society
The largest and most prominent clan, representing war. They are the keepers and trackers of the wolf, responsible for developing knowledge of loyalty, protection, and security.
Messengers of the nation, keepers of the birds and sacred feathers. They teach the importance of keen observation, sharing, and self-sacrifice for others.
Representing peace, they are known as fast runners and messengers. They maintain all sports and teach the knowledge of relaxation and unconditional love.
The clan of spiritual priests, teaching tradition, spiritual knowledge, and intuition. Also known as the Stranger Clan, as they often adopted outsiders.
Keepers of children's medicines and medicinal herb gardens. They teach truth, balance of power, and the use of herbs for food and medicine.
Known as farmers and gatherers, teaching knowledge of insight, introspection, and food preservation. They are nurturers by nature.
The smallest and most secretive clan. Home to spiritual healers and wise men, teaching knowledge of life, birth, death, and spirituality.
The Matrilineal System
Cherokee society is historically matrilineal, meaning children belong to their mother's clan and all property belongs to women. Cherokee people are not allowed to marry within their own clan, as clan members are considered brothers and sisters.
Each clan is controlled by elected women and elders of both genders. Women were given this responsibility because they stayed home with their children and ensured the continuity of the family and clan.