From the ancient times the number seven was sacred to the Cherokee. Consequently, as nomadic tribes wandering the North American continent began to settle down and take on distinctive characteristics of place, name, language and customs, it was only natural and logical that the basic arrangement of Cherokee social, religious and political life would develop into a structure of seven clans. The seven-clan system, along with many other developments around the number seven, contributed to making the Cherokee distinctive from the many other Native Amerivan tribes. The sacred number seven permeates Cherokee legends, beliefs and custsoms including the seven sided council house, the sacred fire which was kindled with seven different kinds of wood, the seven directions and the seven Cherokee festivals.--from page 7
by Marcelina Reed ; illustrated by William Taylor.
Includes bibliographical references (page 31).
