We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Comanche People and Plants:
At least 93 different plants are honored by the Comanche People in the area known today as Texas. Of these 93 plants, 72 can be used for healing. There are 54 plants that can be eaten. In regards to the bluebonnet, it is a symbol of resiliency as the lands of Texas can be unforgiving in its heat and lack of water. Yet, this blue flower blooms.
50-word-or-less summary
Great famine and drought. Girl named She-Who-Is-Alone because she was one of the few children that had survived. People called out to Great Spirit. People were selfish and always taking from Earth. No one sacrificed. She-Who-Is-Alone burned doll made by parents. Slept. Bluebonnets bloomed. Rain! Renamed One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People.
Finding the Story:
Book – The Legend of the Bluebonnet – here
Blog Post – About Bluebonnets and the Story – here
Video – The Story of Bluebonnet – Native American Collection | Myths and Legends – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Having people around you die…how terrible. Sometimes, within those terrible times, we discover people’s resiliency and ability to look beyond the moment. One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People was a little girl. When the adults were not willing to sacrifice to satisfy the Great Spirit of their things, this girl took a doll that meant everything to her and linked to her parents…and burned it. She wanted to save her people.
She scattered the ashes from the cornhusk doll and honored that sacrifice by tossing to the North, East, South, and West Winds. The Great Spirit respected that sacrifice. Everyone did.
Because…it truly was fantastic.
Recommended Article:
What can be done during a drought? One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People had a way. There are also women today who do their own way of helping. Read this article entitled “Women Go On ‘Drought Patrol’ To Save Local Park” written by CBS News.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.