"Ancestor Fruits"

Indigenous Americas By Brian Wilkes

A tradition in some of the Southeastern nations is a bowl stacked with seven fruits. In the center is a larger piece, usually yellow or orange. The origin of this ceremony has been forgotten, but some think it is supposed to represent the planets and stars with the sun at center. The custom is that the bowl is placed within view of visitors entering the front door, and is often backed by a mirror to increase its Medicine effect. The Seven Fruits are an integral part of the Ancestor Remembrance Ceremony, held at the middle of winter (about February 2), when a place is set at the table for the honored dead.