The Natchez Sacred Fire (Natchez)
The sacred fire was the heart of Natchez religion and governance. A perpetual fire was kept burning in the temple atop the main platform mound at the Grand Village of the Natchez. The fire was guarded by temple priests and was never allowed to go out. Only the Great Sun and his family could enter the inner sanctum where the fire burned. The fire represented the sun on earth and the continuing presence of the divine among the Natchez people. When the temple fire was ritually extinguished and rekindled each year, it marked the most important ceremonial occasion. The story of 'Polluting the Fire'