USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Iroquois and the Cherokee called corn, bean, and squash the three sisters’ because they nurture each other like family when planted together. These agriculturalists placed corn in small hills planting beans around them and interspersing squash throughout of the field.

Detailed explanation-2: -Northeastern Native Americans began to rely primarily on agriculture during the Hopewellian period, from 200 BCE to 500 CE. “Three-sister” farming of squash, beans, and corn established more permanent and larger villages throughout the Ohio River Valley.

Detailed explanation-3: -Corn, beans, and squash were the most important crop items. Called the “three sisters", these foods were essential to survival because together they provided for many of the people’s nutritional needs.

Detailed explanation-4: -Corn is the symbol of sustenance, the staff of life and is an important symbol of many tribes. Corn is considered a gift from the Great Spirit so its role is both as a food and a ceremonial object. Very notably, corn is connected to the Hopi for their skill in being able to raise corn in desert sand.

Detailed explanation-5: -From its origins in central Mexico, knowledge of maize production spread to all corners of North and South America. Maize cultivation was an anchor for nomadic tribes and supported the growth of massive Mesoamerican city-states and empires like the Olmecs, Maya, Aztec and Inca.