Legend of the Corn Bead

In 1838 the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their home land and their homes. As the soldiers came to each house hold to gather the Cherokee people for the removal, many cried tears of sadness over the loss of homes and personal belongings. Most were only allowed to take what they could carry. As the people were taken from their homes they would cry out asking the Creator to send a miracle.

 

As they walked along the trail, tears fell to the ground. At the place where the tears of our people fell, up sprang a shoot that looked like a cornstalk.  As the plant bloomed and opened up, tears of gray fell to the ground. Creator said, “This will be a sign unto all who pass that my children will always be a part of this land. The cornstalk represents life for my children and the tears are gray for the suffering and sorrow.”

 

Today these small plants can be found where the Cherokee once walked in times of sadness. From the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina to the Green County of Oklahoma, to remind us that our people are strong and will survive just as this plant has. It also reminds us of the love our Creator has for his children.

 

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Psalm 120