Catawba Religion and Culture
The Catawba religion has a creator (Manatou), and sometimes is said to have a trinity. This trinity consists of Manatou, the creator; Kaia, the turtle; and a third being sometimes said to be the son of Manatou. It is likely that the three beings have always been deities in Catawba culture. The conversion of some members to Christianity may have influenced the Catawba stories so that the three beings reflect the trinity in the Christian religion.
In approximately 1883, tribal members were contacted by Mormon missionaries. Numerous Catawba were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and some migrated to Utah and neighboring western states. Most of the Catawba converts stayed in South Carolina. LDS church membership remains high among the tribe.
In the Carolinas, the Catawba became well known for their pottery, which was made by the women. In the Charleston area, some cooks thought that certain dishes, such as okra soup, could not be prepared properly without a Catawba pot for slow, steady cooking.
The Catawba hold a yearly celebration called Yap Ye Iswa, which roughly translates to Day of the People, or Day of the River People. Held at the Catawba Cultural Center, proceeds are used to fund the activities of the center.
Read more about this topic: Catawba People
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